How is the Economic Recovery Program funded?

This program is funded through a Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act award allocated by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. The County’s Rapid Response Recovery Assistance Program (R3) includes programs designed to assist Hillsborough County residents and businesses directly impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Why are publicly traded companies excluded from the program?

These firms are owned by their stockholders, who may not be residents of the County and are not involved in the day-to-day operations of the company. These firms are also usually large businesses, and this program is intended to help small businesses.

Why are non-profits excluded from the program?

The County has decided to help small for-profit businesses with these funding streams but recognizes the importance of non-profits to our community and local economy. As such, the County is considering ways to help non-profits and will share more information about this in the weeks ahead.

How many businesses will receive funding?

We anticipate providing funding to more than 7,000 businesses in Hillsborough County.

Do I need to pay back the money?

No. This is a financial assistance program, not a loan. Therefore, the funds do not need to be paid back.

Can I apply for this program through a local lending institution?

Local banks are not involved in the program. No prior banking relationship is required.   

Is a personal guaranty or collateral required?

No. This is a financial assistance program, and the funds do not need to be paid back.

Will credit be checked for the program?

No. This is not a loan program; it is a financial assistance program, which will not require a credit check.

Am I eligible if I meet some, but not all, of the eligibility requirements?

No. A business must meet ALL eligibility requirements to be eligible.

What types of businesses are eligible for funding?

Small businesses domiciled in Hillsborough County that have suffered significant, temporary loss of revenue or job losses directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic are potentially eligible for funding. Your business must meet all the below criteria to qualify for funding:

• Business must have had more than $40,000 and less than $20 million in revenue (2019, or 2018 if not yet filed for 2019)
• For businesses formed during 2019, gross business revenue can be prorated over the number of months since the establishment of the business as evidenced by the business's documentation filed with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, and used to create an estimated annual amount.
• Business must have been in operation since January 1, 2020 or earlier.
• Business must be a for-profit business.
• Business must be open for business in some capacity at the time of application.
• Business must be properly registered with the State of Florida and hold a valid local occupational license/business taxes paid.
• Business must not be a publicly traded company.
• Business must be current on all property taxes.
• Business property must not be in violation of any code, zoning, or other regulation, and it must not have any current liens for code violations owed to the County.
• Business owner(s), officers, partners, or principal actors of the property owner must not have a felony conviction for financial mismanagement within the last two years for which he or she is still serving a sentence.

Why are publicly traded companies excluded from the program?

These firms are owned by the stockholders, who may not be residents and are not involved in the day-to-day operations of the company. These firms are also usually large businesses, and this program is intended to help small businesses.

Do home-based businesses qualify?

Yes. Home-based businesses that otherwise meet all other eligibility requirements are eligible to receive funding under the program. Home-based businesses must have at least $40,000 per year in revenue to qualify, as documented by a 1040C filing.

Which businesses are eligible under the “forced to close” criteria?

• “Food Service Establishments” as defined in  Chapter 500, Florida Statutes, and “Public Food Service Establishments” as defined in Chapter 509, Florida Statutes.
• Bars, pubs, and nightclubs as described in Governor’s Executive Order 20-68.
• Short-term lodging establishments and vacation rental management companies that collect and remit Tourist Development Taxes.
• Non-essential businesses under Governor’s Executive Orders 20-112, 20-120, and 20-123.
• Any business subject to any Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group Administrative Order limiting operations:
  • Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group Approves “Safer-at-Home” Order
  • Hillsborough County Administrator Order 20-05 Updating COVID-19 Limitations for Establishments and Gatherings

In order to qualify, how long does my business have to be in operation?

Businesses that qualify have to be in operation since January 1, 2020 or earlier.

If my business has not been able to reopen, can I apply for financial assistance?

No. Qualifying businesses must be open in some capacity at the time of application.

Do sole proprietors qualify?

Yes, they may qualify if all eligibility requirements are met. As the business owner (or owners in the case of a partnership), you are considered the sole employee(s). You must submit a signed IRS 1040 – Schedule C Form

Do hair salons qualify?

Yes, they may qualify if all eligibility requirements are met. Many are operated such that the barber or hair stylist rents the chair in another person’s facility. If you are renting a chair in a salon, you may qualify as a sole proprietor subject to all criteria provided.

I’m a landlord/property manager. Does this program apply to me?

No, landlords do not qualify, whether the businesses to which they rent space are essential or non-essential. Generally, landlords have remedies within their tenant agreements that allow them to recoup their losses. Additionally, businesses that are engaged in owning real estate as their primary business activity, or purchasing real estate and leasing it for any purpose, do not qualify.

What types of businesses are NOT eligible to apply?

Business must not be a gambling, CBD/medical marijuana, adult entertainment, nuisance business, business that is engaged in owning real estate as their primary business activity, or purchasing real estate and leasing it for any purpose, or other establishment deemed inappropriate for public funds.

I already received PPP/EIDL Relief Loan Funds. Does that make me ineligible to receive Kickstart Small Business funds?

No, this is a separate program. However, an applicant can only receive one award from the County’s Economic Recovery Program.

I have multiple business locations. Would each location qualify for funding?

No. Each business that applies must be a separate legal entity.

I own multiple businesses. Would each one qualify?

Yes, you can qualify for separate funding for each legal business entity. Each entity must occupy a separate physical storefront and have a unique business name. You must submit a separate application and provide separate financial statements and documentation for each business. If you are a private franchisee of a chain of food or retail establishments, you will qualify. However, corporate-owned locations of franchised chains do not qualify. 

My business is in an adjacent county. However, I conduct most of my business in Hillsborough County. Do I qualify?

No. The principal place of business must be based in Hillsborough County.

What is the deadline to apply?

Funding is awarded on a first-come basis as application phases are announced and funding remains available. We will stop accepting applications on December 1, 2020, or earlier if funding is exhausted.

Is a personal guaranty or collateral required?

No. This is not a loan program, and the funds do not need to be paid back.

Will credit be checked for the program?

No. This is not a loan program; it will not require a credit check.

Where do I apply?

We have worked very hard to make the application process as simple as possible. You can apply online here.

Which internet browser should I use?

The portal works best using Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox. You can use other internet browsers, but the pages may not look entirely right.

Can I save my application and complete it later?

Yes. By creating an online account before starting the application, you can save the progress in completing your application before submitting it. Just sign in at the site to resume filling out the application.

How can I track my application progress?

An automated email will be sent once the completed application is accepted and once an award decision is made. You can also sign in on the portal at any time to track your application through the review and approval process.

Who can I call if I have additional questions?

Instructions for online and phone assistance from the Economic Recovery Program Call Center are available at Get Help.

Is the online application available in other languages?

While the Small Business application is currently available only in English, one-on-one assistance with completing the application is available in Spanish at (813) 204-9267.

Will there be a paper application?

No, a paper application will not be available. However, assistance in submitting your application is available in both English and Spanish here.

How can I prove that my business suffered economic injury due to COVID-19?

To demonstrate economic injury, you can choose the type of impact within the application form.

If my application is approved, how quickly will I receive assistance?

Typically, a check will be mailed within two weeks of final approval. A completed application is the best way to ensure the quickest turnaround. You will be able use the application portal to track the progress of your application review and approval decision.

How is the funding disbursed?

The applications submitted will be verified that they are complete and accurate, and that all required documents have been submitted. If the application is deemed to meet all required criteria, the Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts will mail a check to the business name and mailing address you provide on the application.

Do I have to spend funding on rent, utilities, and payroll?

No. The program provides an infusion of working capital and can be spent on any business-related expense, such as payroll, mortgage, rent, vendor invoices, utility bills, payroll and other costs, so long as these expenses are not paid for by insurance or another federal assistance program.

What documents do I need to provide with my application?

All applications require:

• Front of the applicant's valid driver’s license;
• [3+ employees only] Q1 Form 941 (January – March 2020)
• W-9 form for business; and
• 2019 Financial Records/Tax Return – whichever form is applicable to your type of legal business entity (IRS Schedule C, IRS Schedule E, Form 1120, Form 1120-S, Form 1065, 1040-C).