St. Petersburg individuals and small businesses are going to get a hand up from the city’s new “Fighting Chance Fund.”
Mayor Rick Kriseman announced the initiative on Friday morning, adding that small businesses independently-owned and operated within St. Pete, by a resident of St. Pete, are eligible for $5,000 in grants as long as they employ 25 people or less.
“This includes restaurants, bars, retail and service industries,” the City of St. Petersburg wrote in a release.
Applications will be available April 9, and will be accepted until funds are exhausted. There is no deadline to apply.
City of Saint Petersburg spokesperson Benjamin Kirby told CreativeLoafing Tampa Bay that the fund consists of$ 6.8 million from a FEMA reimbursement for Hurricane Irma.
Personal services, including hair and beauty, child, disabled, elderly care services, funeral services and laundry services are also included.
When it comes to individuals, “Employees who reside within the city limits who have been terminated, furloughed or whose salary has been reduced at least 50% from a restaurant, bar, retail or service-based business” are also eligible for the business grant.
Business applicants should be prepared to clearly share how they will use city funds, in keeping with the program’s eligible uses, including: commercial rent or mortgage payments, utilities, payroll, retention of employees, or employee support programs.
Individuals applying for the fun should be ready with a copy of their driver’s license, state or school ID, voter registration or passport, plus pay stubs from March one 2020 to present. Termination letters are helpful if available.
Kirby added that if someone isn’t sure if they qualify, to contact the St. Petersburg Greenhouse for guidance.
“While public health is our first priority during this crisis, we are also focused on the future and St. Pete’s economic recovery. The Fighting Chance Fund is a first step to help our beloved local businesses not only survive this time, but thrive when it ends,” City Administrator and Deputy Mayor Dr. Kanika Tomalin said.
For more application information and full eligibility details, visit stpete.org/fightingchancefund.
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This article appears in Apr 2-9, 2020.
