Final week for Flagler businesses, individuals to apply for CARES grants

Palm Coast Observer
News

Flagler County officials are urging residents and small businesses that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and that haven’t already done so to apply for CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act federal stimulus monies by Nov. 20.

“While our agreement with the State of Florida originally allowed expenditures through Dec. 30 of this year, Flagler County has now been advised by the state that we must provide them documentation of all of our expenses no later than Dec. 3,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “The deadline is Nov. 20 to give us time to process the paperwork.”

All applications must be submitted to Flagler County by Nov. 20, and the county must issue all checks to approved recipients by Dece. 30.

As a reminder, this is a one-time grant. For those who have already applied and are waiting for a check, there is no need to reapply.

The business program allows small businesses access to grant money to help cover business expenses, including employee wages, mortgage, rent, vendor invoices, utility bills, payroll and other costs to offset the financial impact due to business interruption or closures as a result of COVID-19. After an initial review, an applicant may be asked to provide additional documentation to demonstrate a loss of revenue.

For individuals, grants of up to $1,000 are available for eligible Flagler County residents to bridge financial gaps for rent, mortgage, and/or eligible utility expenses. Only one application per household is permitted.

Applicants for individual assistance will be required to provide proof of Flagler County residency, U.S. citizenship or legal alien registration, as well as valid Florida Photo ID or drivers license and a Social Security Card.

Small business – including home-based businesses – and 501(c)(3) applicants must attest they:

Must have been registered with the Florida Division of Corporations and held a County or City BTR prior to March 1, 2020 and have a total of 100 employees or less, including owners
Small business is physically located in Flagler County
Were negatively impacted by COVID-19
Have the authority to apply for this grant on behalf of the business
Will use the grant funds for authorized business expenses only
Shall cooperate with Flagler County or appropriate officials for grant auditing purposes

“There is money available for our county, and we don’t want to leave it sitting on the table,” Lord said. “It’s a process, and now we have less time than what we had original expected. The good news is that all approved checks will be issued by the end of the year.”

For more information, go to flaglercounty.org and click on “CARES Grants.”