Applications for the Small Business Grant Program and the Individual and Family Assistance Program will open June 8. The Small Business Grant Program will distribute $72.9 million across approximately 6,500 small businesses. Each business can receive up to $10,000, while the Individual and Family Assistance Program will distribute $36.5 million across Orange County residents. Applicants for the Individual and Family Assistance Program will each receive a one-time payment of $1,000 per household for coronavirus-related relief.
The payments for individuals, families and businesses are expected to offer financial relief for medical or utility expenses and bridge the gap for overdue rent or mortgage payments.
The approximately $142 million in federal funds will also offer relief to Orange County partner social-service organizations with $36.5 million. Some partner social service organizations include homelessness organizations, mental health and substance abuse organizations, food pantries, job retention services, and childcare.
Applicants looking to be eligible for the Individual and Family Assistance Program will need to reside in Orange County, own or rent a home in Orange County, show proof that anyone in your household has been laid off or had their work hours reduced due to coronavirus, and show proof that you and all those within your household are either U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents.
Individual and Family Assistance Program applicants are able to apply for only one type of financial assistance of either medical, rental, mortgage or utility assistance, each with its own set of documents for proof.
Accepted applicants will get delivered payments directly to the applicant’s chosen assistance program.
For small businesses, those eligible are businesses that have a physical location, 25 or fewer employees, or home businesses that have 3-25 employees and also have employees who aren’t considered residents of the home.
Small businesses must present their W-9 forms, active business registration documents, staffing documentation, and a municipal business tax receipt.
“We’re urging small businesses and residents to prepare now so they can get their applications submitted in a timely manner,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings in a press release. “These funding amounts were broken down to help as many residents and businesses as possible during this challenging time.”
Acceptance for the Individual and Family Assistance Program applications will pause once 2,000 applications are received. Applications will reopen every other Wednesday and Saturday, with 1,000 new applications eligible for acceptance on those particular days.
The small business application will be evaluated for opening or shutting down on scheduled days after the opening date.
Applications can be found online through www.ocfl.net/OrangeCares. However, if you do not have access to the internet, call 3-1-1.
Photos Courtesy of Orange County
