Phase II Lake CARES Business Assistance Grant Program open until September 22 at 5 p.m.
***Important information regarding the initial $16 million allocation to businesses:
To be considered for any current or future CARES Act funding awards for COVID-19 impacts, businesses and organizations must submit an application by the September 22 deadline. Being part of the applicant pool will allow those businesses and organizations to be considered for the current award levels, as well as any additional awards that could be retroactively made if the initial funding is not immediately expended.
The application process typically takes less than 30 minutes, and will ensure consideration for all CARES Act funding associated with the Business Assistance Grant program.
Phase II Lake CARES Business Assistant Grant Program Eligibility:
The eligibility criteria for businesses to obtain funding from the $16 million Lake CARES Business Assistance Grant Program was expanded on Sept. 8. In addition to accepting applications from qualifying for-profit businesses deemed “non-essential,” qualifying non-profit organizations and Chambers of Commerce in Lake County, applications are being accepted from qualifying businesses impacted by COVID-19 that were deemed “essential.” The criteria include the following:
• Eligible businesses and organizations: essential and non-essential for-profit businesses, non-profit (501c3) organizations and Chambers of Commerce
• Current awards to qualified businesses and organizations range from $2,000 to $10,000 as follows:
o Self-employed / sole proprietor: $2,000
o Businesses with 2-9 employees: $5,000
o Businesses with 10-50 employees: $7,500
o Businesses with more than 50 employees: $10,000
o Non-profit’s and Chambers of Commerce (no employee requirement): $5,000
Step-by-step instructions, frequently asked questions, and detailed eligibility criteria are available at https://www.elevatelake.com/reopen#cares to help guide applicants through the process. Additionally, the CARES Act program helpline is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (352) 268-9299. Applicants may also email grant@elevatelake.com with questions about the program and someone from the Grant Administrative Team will respond in a timely manner.
If our team can assist you in any other way, please call (352) 343-9647 or email us at info@elevatelake.com or visitlake@lakecountyfl.gov.
Stay safe and healthy,
Your Elevate Lake & Visit Lake Team