Orange County government will close the application portal for small business, home-based business, and gig worker BOOST grants available through American Rescue Plan Act funding on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 11:59pm.
The Orange County Small Business BOOST program has allocated approximately $26 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to provide grants to local small businesses, home-based businesses, and gig workers.
Small Businesses, home-based businesses and gig workers that have experienced a 25% decline in revenue due to the pandemic may be eligible to receive grants. Small businesses may receive up to a $10,000 grant, home-based businesses may receive up to $3,000, and gig workers may receive up to $1,400. The grant funds can be used for business expenses including, wages, mortgages, rent, utilities, payroll and other costs. Grants are non-repayable and are issued on a “first-come, first-served” basis to qualified applicants.
Since July, the Orange County Small Business BOOST program has processed some 2,500 applications, with many more in the queue. Pending grants will continue to be reviewed through September 30, 2023, but new applications must be fully completed by September 15, 2023.
For each of the programs, applicants must provide documented business losses between 2020-2023. BOOST Grants are reserved exclusively for businesses located in Orange County, and gig workers with residency in Orange County, Florida.
Full BOOST grant eligibility requirements and program criteria are available online in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole online. Additionally, if residents are unable to access the internet or have a language barrier, they are asked to email or call (407) 836-3111 for assistance.
