City Of Jacksonville Announces Details & Application Process For Small Business Relief Program

Posted onAuthorDave Burkey

The City of Jacksonville will launch the Small Business Relief Program on Monday, June 8, at 9 a.m. to provide support to local businesses impacted by COVID-19. In addition to providing financial assistance for those who have lost revenue due to the pandemic, the program was designed to encourage approved businesses to retain their employees throughout the reopening process.

“The actions we took as a city to flatten the curve of COVID-19 were successful, but also placed a heavy burden on small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout our community,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “As we work together to safely and responsibly re-open our city and economy, we must do what we can to help affected small businesses and their employees. This $9 million program will put funds directly into the hands of business owners who keep Jacksonville’s economy moving.”
 
With this relief grant program, The City will make one-time payments of up to $2,000 to 4,500 qualifying small business owners.
 
“Over the past few months our small businesses have taken a big hit. These relief dollars will help those businesses as they start re-opening,” said Councilwoman Leanna Cumber, the District 5 representative who introduced the bill for program in May. “Our small, local businesses are what make this city great. I’m happy to be able to do my part to help them back on their feet. “
 
Grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis to applicants that meet the following conditions for eligibility:

  • The business must be located in Duval County;
  • You must provide the Tax ID assigned to your small business;
  • The business must have been in operation for at least one (1) year prior to Feb. 29, 2020;
  • The business should not have had more than 100 employees on Feb. 29, 2020 (there’s no minimum number of employees, sole proprietors will qualify);
  • The business owner must certify that the business has experienced a reduction in revenue of at least 25% since Feb. 29, 2020 as a direct result of the COVID-19 crisis.

Those interested in participating in the program are strongly encouraged to create a MyJax business account at myjax.custhelp.com (follow the link for the “small business relief grant program”) before applying; the same website and account will be used for the application process. While business owners may create a MyJax business account immediately, the application process will not begin until Monday, June 8, at 9 a.m.