As many business owners continue to face unexpected challenges due to COVID-19, the City of Tampa is expanding Phase III of the One Tampa Business Relief program to help lift up local businesses in need. The application portal for the expanded Phase III opens at noon today, August 7th, 2020.
During this phase, business owners that have been critically-impacted by COVID-19 and who did not previously qualify for One Tampa aid can apply to receive $2000 relief checks, regardless of where their business is located within the City of Tampa limits. These checks can be used to cover any business expenses related to recovery and restoring the qualifying business, including payroll, stock, supply and inventory, rent or mortgage, utility or other bills, and physical or space improvements to protect customers and staff.
“Our local businesses are the backbone of our economy and they need our support now more than ever,” says Mayor Jane Castor. “We want to lift up our local businesses in need so that they can stay in business, keep employees on the payroll, and continue doing what they love and what they do best. We are one community, and we will get through this trying time like we always do, together.”
In order to qualify for aid, businesses must be located within the City of Tampa limits and must be registered with a City Business Tax license in one of the critically-impacted business sectors. Businesses do not have to be located in a low-income-census-tract or Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). Only businesses that have previously paid 2020 business taxes are eligible to apply. Please note: If you previously received a $2000 Phase III grant or other OneTampa business funding, you are not eligible for a second grant award.
Business owners can learn more and apply for the expanded Phase III of One Tampa starting at noon, August 7th at OneTampa.org.