Other assistance, resources and grants

FACEBOOK is offering $100 million in cash grants and advertising credits to help up to 30,000 eligible small businesses during this time. The grants will help to keep your workforce going strong, help with rent costs, connect with more customers and cover operational costs. 

YELP is providing $25 million in coronavirus relief for independent restaurant and nightlife businesses in the form of waived advertising fees, and free advertising, products and services.

The JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION is launching the Food & Beverage Industry Relief Fund, which will be gathering support from corporate, foundation, and individual donors to provide micro-grants to independent food and beverage businesses in need. Click on the link above to donate or apply. 

GOFUNDME has a page to help small businesses affected by COVID-19. Here’s the page for anyone affected by COVID-19. 

THE FLORIDA RETAIL ASSOCIATION COVID-19 page offers resources and updates for Florida retailers. 

THE FLORIDA RESTAURANT & LODGING ASSOCIATION page offers resources for the hospitality industry, details of operating restrictions, employee resources, emergency funding information and who to contact to ask for help.

CAREERSOURCE FLORIDA offers resources for employers and employees. 

THE FLORIDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE page offers email updates, a list of businesses that are giving back, and an economic forecast. 

THE FLORIDA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL COVID-19 RESOURCE HUB offers CDC guidance for employers, loan and financial assistance and more. 

The USDA also is offering forbearance options. A shorter version that details help for rural businesses, communities and residents is here. Payments can be suspended for up to 12 months because of economic hardship that was caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Contact the office by phone at: (352) 338-3400. 

The USDA’s FARM SERVICE AGENCY (FSA) made changes to its Farm Loan, Disaster, Conservation and Safety Net Programs to make it easier for customers to conduct business.