Official Website for Brevard County Government

BrevardCARES Grants Provide Financial Relief to Small Businesses and Nonprofits Impacted By COVID-19

“I wish I could give you guys a big hug … consider this a virtual hug!”

That was the reaction received via email from Joseph Lang of Bare Bone Rides, Inc. after receiving word his Brevard County small business had been awarded a $10,000 grant through the Brevard County Small Business and NonProfit Economic Relief program. Lang, who operates a custom motorcycle dealership and repair shop on Merritt Island,  wasn’t alone in his sentiment.

“Thank you so much for your help,” wrote Carolyn Schmidt, who owns Baby’s Breath Imaging Studio in Titusville. “This is going to help my business survive through this hardship. I want you to know that your hard work is greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.”

Michael Lipsky emailed the County to say, “I am in tears, literally!” after he was notified of a $10,000 grant awarded to Sunburst Tanning Company, Inc. in Melbourne.

And Kurt Schirmer wrote, “We appreciate the County helping small business owners in this crazy time and this is just one of the reasons why we love being in business in Brevard County.” Schirmer’s business, Chairs for Affairs Party Rentals, is located in Melbourne and also received a $10,000 grant.

These are just some of the many positive reactions received since applicants have been notified their grant applications have been approved. The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners has allocated $10 million in Coronavirus Air, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to assist Small Businesses and Nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis. Grants of up to $10,000 are still available. As of Oct. 22, the County had received 1,451 applications and awarded grants totaling $8.7 million. These are grants, not loans, and therefore do not have to be repaid to the County.

To be eligible through the Small Business and Nonprofit Economic Relief Program, the small business:

• Must be physically located in Brevard County
• Must have been in business as of January 1, 2020
• Must have 50 or fewer employees
• Must have been negatively impacted financially by the COVID-19 public health emergency
• Must be enrolled in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program
• Nonprofits must be a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6) or a 501(c)(19) as designated by Internal Revenue Code.

Along with assistance for small businesses and nonprofit organizations, other programs have been implemented that can assist individuals with rental and mortgage payments, utility and security deposits and food stability. These programs are available through the County’s Housing and Human Services Department. Those eligible must be a resident of Brevard County, at or below 140 percent of area median income, and able to demonstrate assistance is required as a result of direct impacts from coronavirus. Applicants must also provide supporting documents related to income, need and other assistance received. So far, 1,320 applications for individual assistance have been received with $3.9 million obligated. The average amount of assistance awarded is $3,482.

The County has allocated funding for food stability programs and has provided 42,075 meals through a weekend feeding program; served 13,381 households through a Farmer’s Market program; and provided 227,800 meals through Independent Living Systems LLC.

As of this past Friday, Oct. 23, the County began offering grants for air-conditioner and roof replacements for income eligible homeowners. Grant applications are available online beginning Tuesday, oct. 27, and are already available at all 17 County libraries and some community centers.

The County has distributed more than 2,000 free Personal Protection Equipment kits to small businesses. Each kit included 200 procedure masks, 25 reusable cloth masks, two boxes of gloves and hand sanitizer. Brevard County Government has three events planned in November to distribute free Personal Protection Equipment to small businesses, retailers and restaurants. Free PPE distribution continues at the following times and locations (no appointment necessary):

North - Wednesday November 4, 2020 at Titusville Library, 2121 South Hopkins Ave., Titusville, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Central – Thursday November 5, 2020 at Central Reference Library, 308 Forrest Ave., Cocoa, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

South – Friday November 6, 2020 at the Melbourne Library, 540 East Fee Ave., Melbourne, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To receive a PPE kit, a license, business card or document that displays the business name and address must be presented. Businesses are eligible to receive up to two kits.

Those businesses that have previously received PPE are still eligible to receive additional supplies.

The Board of County Commissioners has also allocated $2.3 million and partnered with CareerSource Brevard for a Small Business and Nonprofit Organizations Workforce Recovery Program, which helps laid off or furloughed employees and provides staffing support to businesses.

All applications, and answers to frequently asked questions about the County’s assistance programs, can be found here: www.brevardfl.gov/BrevardCares. Information is also available Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 321-350-9194.

BrevardCARES Applications

 Individual Assistance Program Online Application

 Small Business Economic Relief Program Online Application

 Small Business Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program Online Application

 Workforce Recovery Program Online Application