Pasco Emergency Grant To Help Coronavirus-Impacted Businesses

PASCO COUNTY, FL — The Pasco Economic Development Council has partnered with Pasco County to provide a relief grant to small businesses impacted by The coronavirus.

Funded through Penny for Pasco, the Pasco Emergency Business Grant is an emergency grant of up to $5,000 to support small businesses.

This emergency grant is expected to provide support to 400 Pasco County small businesses. The goal of the grant program is to help offset the temporary loss of revenue and help keep small businesses open after the coronavirus pandemic.

“We know our community is hurting right now and the Pasco County Emergency Business Grant program is another tool our small businesses can use to get through the COVID-19 crisis,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore. “Our small businesses are the heart of Pasco County’s economy, and I look forward to their continued success in the future. I’d like to thank my fellow commissioners for supporting the Pasco Emergency Business Grant program, and I greatly appreciate the Pasco Economic Development Council’s efforts in making this happen quickly to help our community.”

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There are limited funds available which will be distributed on a first-submitted, eligible and approved application basis. Pasco County businesses that meet the criteria below are encouraged to submit their applications online as soon as possible.

Applications are now being accepted at www.PascoEDC.com/Pasco-Grant. There is no deadline to apply. The Pasco Emergency Business Grant has $2 million available and applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted.

Applicant Criteria

• Pasco registered business in operation as of March 1, 2020
• Owner must be a Pasco County resident
• 1- 25 employees (Part-time and 1099 employees must be included)
• Business must have applied for Federal Disaster Loan Funding
• Business and business owner must be in good standing

Eligible grant Uses

• Rent
• Mortgage
• Utilities
• Payroll

“Having the ability to respond quickly to our small businesses’ needs is so important right now.” said Bill Cronin, President and CEO of the Pasco EDC. “We are all very thankful that the Board of County Commissioners is pro-business and that they have made these funds available when they are needed most.”

“Small business is the pulse of our business community,” said Commissioner Mike Wells, who serves as the commission’s representative to the Pasco EDC Board of Directors. “By helping our small businesses with these grants, we help our entire economy.”

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