LTC 320-2021 Emergency Small Business Reimbursement Grant Update #2MAMBEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC #
320-2021
LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Honorable Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Alina T. Hudak, City Manager1,c, .Co,
DATE: August 2, 2021
SUBJECT: Emergency Small Business Reimbursement Grant Update #2
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (LTC) is to provide information regarding the
status of the Emergency Small Business Reimbursement Grant Program funded through
Community Development Block Grant — Coronavirus (CDBG-CV).
On October 28, 2020, via Resolution 2020-31471, the Mayor and City Commission voted
unanimously to deliver $600,000 in grant funds to assist small businesses adversely
impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. At least thirty (30) businesses may receive
assistance under this Program which has been made available since January 6, 2021.
Eligible small businesses/microenterprises are encouraged to apply for grants of up to
$20,000 as reimbursement for normal business expenses including but not limited to
rent, mortgage, utilities, payroll, operating supplies and COVID-19 related expenses.
The principal goal of the Program is to support and promote business longevity by
retaining or creating jobs for residents or business owners residing in low- and
moderate -income households. The need for resources is evident as businesses in the
city struggle to achieve pre -pandemic levels of activity and revenue. Funding for small
business assistance is necessary to provide support for existing businesses and to
encourage the growth of businesses during the recovery phase.
As of August 2, 2021, the Economic Development Department has received sixty (60)
grant applications. Sixteen (16) of these applications have been approved for funding
for a total of $320,000 in grant awards. Of the sixteen (16) approved businesses, nine
(9) will either retain or create a position for a Miami Beach resident whose household
earns at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI). The remaining seven (7) businesses
are microenterprises with business owners meeting the 80% AMI requirement.
To date, thirty-nine (39) submitted applications have been deemed ineligible as they do
not meet program requirements. The remaining five (5) applications are currently being
reviewed to determine eligibility. As we continue to review applications, we encourage
local businesses to apply as funding is still available.
The grant is currently being administered and awarded on a first-come, first -qualified,
first-served basis. Applications are accepted through an online application platform.
Interested applicants should visit https://miamibeachfl.qosmart.orq to review program
guidelines and create a new profile to submit the application. Applications will be
accepted through August 31, 2021.
Please direct any questions to Rickelle Williams, Economic Development Director at
rickellewilliams@miamibeachfl.gov.
ATH/EC/RW/AT