Orange County to let even more small businesses hurt by pandemic apply for grants

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.

Orange County will allow more companies hurt financially by the coronavirus pandemic to apply for its small business grant program, said Mayor Jerry Demings at a July 30 press briefing.

County commissioners approved criteria to allow for micro-grants of $1,000-$3,000 for home-based businesses with three or less employees that previously weren't eligible. The grant program — made possible by funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act — previously provided just one-time payments of $10,000 to small businesses with 100 or less employees.

Another change was that those who got up to $75,000 in U.S. Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program loans now are eligible for the $10,000 grants. The previous limit for eligibility was for those who received up to $50,000 in PPP funds

Click here to read Ryan Lynch’s story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.

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