Rental assistance available to downtown business owners

Orlando’s economy is struggling to recover from the coronavirus pandemic and downtown streets are still less busy than they were at the beginning of the year.

Millions of dollars of CARES Act funding have funneled into central Florida this year to help individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic.

Now, Orlando’s Downtown Development Board and Community Redevelopment Agency are making funds available to help business owners.

“We as a city remain committed to supporting our local businesses through these unprecedented times as they are the backbone of our local economy,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “This program was put forward to provide some much needed financial relief for our downtown local businesses and to help to keep our economy moving forward as we continue to reopen safely.”

The Small Business Rental Assistance program will allow eligible small businesses located inside the downtown CRA to apply for rental assistance up to $5,000 per month for up to six months. There is $1.5 million allocated toward the program.

“Sustaining our downtown core, and all of the businesses who make it a thriving center for commerce, is critical to the recovery of our region and our economy,” said Partnership President and CEO Tim Giuliani. “I encourage all eligible businesses to reach out to the Partnership so we can provide the best customer service possible to businesses seeking answers and solutions to the challenges that prevent them from focusing on their core mission as a business – which provides jobs and livelihoods.”

The city will begin accepting applications for the program on Wednesday, November 4.

For more information, or to apply for the program click HERE.

Cox Media Group