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COVID-19 small business grant program opens in Sarasota May 19

Applications open at 9 a.m.
Credit: WWSB

SARASOTA, Fla. — Eligible small businesses in the city of Sarasota could be awarded up to $5,000 under a new COVID-19 recovery grant program launching Tuesday.

Applications for the City of Sarasota Small Business and Safety Assistance Grant Program open at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 19

According to the city, grants will be offered on a  first-come, first-served basis up to $2.28 million. More than 300 small businesses are expected to be approved for a grant.

“The global pandemic has taken a severe toll on most small, independently owned brick-and-mortar businesses,” City Manager Tom Barwin said. “Unlike federal and state programs, our grant application and reporting process is simple and streamlined for a fast turnaround."

To be eligible, a business must have a physical structure located in the city limits and have 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees. Locations will also be required to provide a plan detailing how the funds will be used. 

The following types of businesses are eligible: 

  • child, disabled and elderly care services
  • cleaning services
  • coffee shops
  • fitness centers and gyms
  • hair, beauty, and other personal services
  • laundry services
  • restaurants
  • retail
  • personal and household goods, repairs, and maintenance
  • pet care
  • small event spaces and more
  • bars and taverns

After submitting, each applicant will receive a date and time stamp to confirm. 

Grants are expected to be awarded as early as by the end of May. 

Anyone looking for more information can visit the grant program website, email to CitySmallBusinessGrant@SarasotaFL.Gov, or call 941-263-6000 ext. 6284.

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