Due to the community’s overwhelming response, Hillsborough County’s Rapid Response Recovery (R3) Small Business and Individual Assistance programs have reached their funding limits. Hillsborough County is no longer accepting applications for these programs. Completed applications that have been submitted are currently being processed. Residents and businesses who submitted completed applications can continue to track the status of their applications through the online portal.
Applicants for Housing & Utilities assistance: please note that the County approved an expansion of the months of benefit and we are working on processing through the additional payments. Please be patient!
For questions about a submitted individual application, please call (866) 538-2926. The call center is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For questions about a submitted small business assistance application, please call (888) 393-7509. The call center is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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Additional Resources - Economic Recovery Program
If you have questions about the financial assistance programs, issues with your account, the application form, or another page on this portal, call our support team at (888) 393-7509.
Frequently Asked Questions
About The Program
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.
Qualification and Eligibility
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:
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?
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.
Special Cases
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.
Application Process
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.
Using the Portal
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.
Evidence and Payment
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:
Additional Resources - Housing Financial Assistance Program
If you have questions about the financial assistance program, issues with your account, the application form, or another page on this portal, call our support team at (866) 538-2926.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Program, Qualifications and Eligibility, and Payment Process
Who is eligible for R3 Utility and Housing Assistance through Social Services?
Any income-qualifying (120% AMI or below) resident in Hillsborough County, including residents of Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace, who saw a reduction in or loss of wages resulting from a layoff or a reduction of hours due to COVID-19.
Must have lease or mortgage payments, and past-due utility (electric) bills.
Income Qualifications: Your household income must be at or below 120% Area Median Income qualifications as reported on your 2019 Tax Return (IRS form 1040 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)) for the year:
Household Size (2019 tax return) | Max Annual Income (2019 AGI) |
---|---|
1 Person | Up to 59,160 |
2 Persons | Up to 67,650 |
3 Persons | Up to 75,960 |
4 Persons | Up to 84,360 |
5 Persons | Up to 91,200 |
6 Persons | Up to $97,920 |
7 Persons | Up to $104,640 |
8+ Persons | Up to $111,360 |
Eligibility also requires no more than $3,600 in cash and in bank accounts and the applicant must be currently responsible for paying rent/mortgage/utility bills. For instance, if the lease agreement is only in your spouse's name, your spouse must be the one to apply for assistance with Social Services.
Can more than one person in our household apply for assistance?
Only one application per household will be accepted and must be in the name of the person affected by COVID-19. If on your 2019 Tax Return you and your spouse filed as “married filing separately,” only one of you can apply for assistance.
What if I have a baby but they aren’t included on my 2019 Tax Return? Do they count towards my household size?
Eligibility and household size will be based off your 2019 Tax Return, not current household size.
Am I eligible if I meet some, but not all, of the eligibility requirements?
No. You must meet ALL eligibility requirements to be eligible.
What documents do I need to apply for assistance?
You will need all of the following when applying:
These attachments may be in the following formats: PDF, JPG, PNG, and Word document.
Note: If you do not attach all necessary files, your application will not be accepted, and you will not receive financial assistance.
How do I apply for assistance?
You can apply online starting Monday, August 3 at 10 a.m. If you experience problems when applying, you may call (866) 538-2926 to speak with a Customer Call Center Representative who will provide support and guidance. The call center is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
If I've received assistance from Social Services in the past, can I still apply?
If you have received assistance from Social Services, you are still eligible to apply for financial assistance. If you received R3 Assistance during Phase I, your benefit in Phase II will be modified to reflect previous assistance.
What does the assistance pay for?
The funds are for payment towards your rent or mortgage and past-due utility (electric) bills.
What is the deadline to apply?
Financial assistance is awarded on a first-come basis and while funding remains available. It is recommended you complete your application all at once to ensure your application is submitted before the funding is accounted for.
How much will I get?
Once your application is accepted and you are determined eligible, your financial assistance amount for housing assistance will depend on the number of persons in your household and when your loss of wages began. Housing assistance payments will be mailed directly to the address the applicant provides.
The chart below shows how much financial assistance an approved applicant could receive for every month directly affected by COVID-19.
Housing Assistance Benefit Amount:
Household Size (2019 tax return) | Max Annual Income (2019 AGI) | Benefit Amount (per mo.) |
---|---|---|
1 Person | Up to 59,160 | $1,055 |
2 Persons | Up to 67,650 | $1,266 |
3 Persons | Up to 75,960 | |
4 Persons | Up to 84,360 | $1,462 |
5 Persons | Up to 91,200 | |
6 Persons | Up to $97,920 | $1,631 |
7 Persons | Up to $104,640 | |
8+ Persons | Up to $111,360 | $1,800 |
Depending on past-due utility charges, residents could receive up to $750 depending on charges between March and July 2020.
If I'm approved for assistance, how long will it take to receive my money?
Every request is unique and processing eligibility and payment time will vary. Your payment could take several weeks to arrive, but you will be able to track the status of your application online.
Using the Portal
Which internet browser should I use?
The portal works best using Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox. You can use other internet browsers, like Internet Explorer, but the pages may not look entirely right.
Do I need to create a profile to submit my application?
Yes, you need to create a profile within the portal to be able to start your application. After you create your profile, you’ll need to confirm your email address. The confirmation will be sent to your email and you’ll need to click the confirm button to be able to proceed to the application page.
If I submit an incomplete application, how will I know?
Applications for funding will not be considered for funding until they are considered complete. Residents will be notified when they submit incomplete applications.
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 Utility and Housing Assistance Program Call Center are available at Get Help.
Is the online application available in other languages?
The online application will be available in English and Spanish. One-on-one assistance with completing the application is available in English and Spanish at (866) 538-2926.
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.