- October 29, 2024
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Financial assistance is making its way to those small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act federal stimulus monies provided to Flagler County for distribution within the community.
On July 24, the first eight checks – totaling $223,000 – were presented to businesses located in Bunnell, Palm Coast, and Flagler Beach during a small ceremony to celebrate pumping much needed resources back into the community. The amount allocated was based on the number of full-time staff members employed by the business.
Flagler County Board of County Commission Chairman Dave Sullivan spoke about the goal, and offered his best advice to businesses.
“Get the money out as fast as possible,” he said of the county’s efforts. “Get the word out, and be persistent. Get your applications in so you can get your fair share.”
As of the morning of the event, the following applications were received: 61 from businesses within Bunnell; 64 from Flagler Beach; and, 244 from Palm Coast. The lion’s share of the applications are from the first two tiers: sole proprietors, and businesses with two to 12 employees.
“It confirms what we all know, and that is that we are a home-grown, home-based business county,” said Tourism Director Amy Lukasik.
Grant recipient Gail Holt – who owns businesses in Bunnell, Palm Coast, and Flagler Beach – thanked the county, and advised fellow businessmen and -women to be prudent with their grants.
“Long term, we are all going to suffer a little bit,” she said. “This money is going to help in the coming year. Store your nuts. You are going to need them.”
This portion of the CARES program allows small businesses to access grant money to help cover business expenses, including employee wages, mortgage, rent, vendor invoices, utility bills, payroll and other costs to offset the financial impact due to business interruption or closures as a result of COVID-19.
Tortugas owner Scott Fox asked others to spend the stimulus money locally. “Everyone has been suffering just like us,” he said.
The first eight checks were provided to the following businesses: Beach Front Grill; Swillerbees; Oceanside Beach Bar and Grill; Tortugas; Snack Jacks; High Jackers; and Break the Cycle.
Small business applicants must attest:
501(c)(3) applicants must attest:
Qualified small businesses that were negatively impacted by COVID-19 are eligible for funding at the following levels:
The grant is targeted specifically to help local small businesses with its principal location in Flagler County, established before March 1, 2020. All applicants will be required to affirm and upload relevant business documents to be considered for the program.
“All the funds have to be put into the community by the end of this year, or else they go back,” County Administrator Jerry Cameron said. “You’re the guys that get up at 4 o’clock in the morning to open your businesses. You’re the guys who agonize on Thursday how to make your payroll on Friday…This gives back and recognizes your contribution to the community.”
For required documentation and additional information, go to www.flaglercounty.org.
