TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — City and county commissioners met for four hours on Wednesday to talk about financial assistance for small businesses and non-profits in the Capitol.
The Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency approved a $1 million relief program called the COVID-19 Economic Disaster Relief (CEDR) grant in 7 to 5 vote.
“During this challenging time, the IA Board recognizes the urgent need to assist our local businesses,” Leon County Commission Chairman and Chairman of the IA Board Bryan Desloge said. “The COVID-19 Economic Disaster Relief grant is a quick tool to inject $1 million directly to our local businesses as they work to remain open.”
The money given out will depend on the size of the business:
- $1,500 for a business with 10 or less employees.
- $2,500 for a business with 11 to 24 employees.
- $5,000 for a business with 25 or more employees.
The grant goes towards paying off bills, paying employees, and paying off sick leave.
Up to $1 million has been allocated for the program and funds will be released on a rolling basis, beginning as soon as three to five days from now.
The board unanimously decided to come back together in about two weeks to talk about even more help for small businesses with 25 employees or less.
To apply for the CEDR Grant Program, visit www.oevforbusiness.org/cedr-grant.
Along with the activation of the grant program, the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality is also currently surveying businesses throughout Florida's capital who have been impacted by COVID-19. Businesses and non-profits can access the Business Assessment Survey here.
