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Ocala
Thursday, March 28, 2024

CARES Act funding available for struggling Marion County businesses

The Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership has partnered with the Marion County Board of County Commissioners to distribute $7.1 million of CARES Act funds to struggling Marion County businesses.

“This is for every business in our community,” said CEP CEO Kevin Sheilley. “Our number one goal is to ensure that our community is vibrant and prosperous, and the key to that is to have a vibrant, prosperous business community.”

Businesses do not have to be CEP Partners to apply. Funds are available to businesses in the following breakdown:

  • Bridge to Recovery Program – The Bridge to Recovery Program seeks to assist businesses with 25 or fewer employees who have been experiencing continuing negative impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The businesses will need to submit an online application demonstrating the negative  impact of COVID-19 and will be able to receive up to $15,000.
  • Moving Forward Program – The Moving Forward Program seeks to assist businesses with 26-100 employees who have been experiencing continuing negative impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The businesses will need to submit an online application demonstrating the negative impact of COVID19 and will be able to borrow up to $40,000.
  • Testing Capacity Enhancement Grant – The Testing Capacity Enhancement Grant program seeks to assist private labs, clinics and physician offices that are looking to increase their testing capacity. Business may apply for a reimbursement of up to $30,000 for expenses which demonstrate their intention to increase their testing capacity beyond what was previously available.
  • Preparing for the Future Grant Program – The Preparing for the Future Grant Program seeks to assist businesses that are working to address needs to directly combat COVID-19. The business will need to submit a business plan which outlines how it is addressing pandemic-related needs and proof of financing. The business will be able to receive up to $3,000 per job to be created up to $300,000.
  • Project Operating Safely (PPE Reimbursement Program) – Project Operating Safely will provide up to $3,000 in reimbursements to local businesses with fewer than 100 employees for the purchase of necessary personal protective equipment and other health and safety-related items and services. Businesses with more than 100 employees are eligible to be reimbursed up to $10,000. Businesses may apply once for a reimbursement and funds will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

The entire application process will be completed online. Each funding category has qualifications and exclusions, all of which are available at MovingBizForward.com or by contacting the CEP at (352) 629-8051.