This checklist represents guidance from members and subject matter experts, and is intended to highlight key topics to consider as retailers seek to re-open operations.

Reopen Florida- Phase 1

Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-111 extended Executive Orders 20-87 and 20-91 until 12:01 am May 4, 2020, and Executive Order 20-112 regarding Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery

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The City of Crestview has developed the Small Business Recovery Grant with the intent of providing relief to small businesses impacted by the Safer-at-Home executive order. To assist with a speedy administration of this program applicants must read the entire manual and complete all forms prior to submitting.  

*Some institutions listed are conditionally eligible as noted. List only features financial sector investors in the Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County.

The purpose of guidance is just that, to offer you direction and provide a framework for best practices as you reopen.

The COVID-19 Disaster Recovery Program provides one-time rental assistance to eligible Okaloosa County residents who have experienced loss of income, reduction in hours, or unemployment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic only.  Assistance will only be provided for rent, mortgage and utility payments due beginning on April 1, 2020 and onward.  Eligible applicants must be able to continue to make rental payments and meet basic needs once assistance is provided.

OPENING UP AMERICA AGAIN

Check out the Formal Guidelines with the Proposed State or Regional Criteria Slideshow.

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan

County Commissioner Nathan Boyles, Tony Hughes from Hughes Consulting and Stephen Perkins, CPA Warren Averett talk about the Florida small business emergency bridge loan. Get the information you need to apply here!

How To Apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan

Commissioner Nathan Boyles, Tony Hughes from Hughes Consulting and Stephen Perkins, CPA Warren Averett discuss this loan and how to get a hold of these resources. Check this video out now!

Paycheck Protection Plan

Commissioner Nathan Boyles teamed up with the folks at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce to help small business owners get the help they need in this time of crisis.

Commissioner Boyles talks to Tony Hughes from Hughes Consulting and Stephen Perkins, CPA Warren Averett about the paycheck protection plan in this video. 

Free Advertising to Local Restaurants

To help restaurants get their message out, they are offering free advertising on television.

Interested restaurant owners email MarketingInsights@CoxMedia.com to sign up. Please include the name of the business and the location of the restaurant. There are no purchase requirements. Space is limited based on availability.

SBDC Small Business Grant Program

The grant program will provide up to $5,000 to help offset losses that small businesses may currently be experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant applications will be accepted April 8-15, 2020, and are available for download at www.sbdc.uwf.edu. Eligibility requirements include:

• A for-profit, privately held small businesses established on, or before January 1, 2019.

• Must maintain a place of business, including a physical location, within eligible Northwest Florida counties.

• Eligible Northwest Florida counties include: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Jackson, Washington, Calhoun, and Bay.

• Must have 2 to 10 employees.

• Must have a demonstrated reduction in sales revenues of 25% or more due to the loss of business income related to COVID-19.

For more information about the program or assistance with completing the grant application, contact the Florida SBDC at UWF at 850-586-7802 or ahaider@uwf.edu. 

Key Takeaways

• Paid Sick Leave for Workers

  For COVID-19 related reasons, employees receive up to 80 hours of paid sick leave and expanded paid child care leave when employees' children's schools are closed or child care providers are unavailable.

• Complete Coverage

  Employers receive 100% reimbursement for paid leave pursuant to the Act.

  • Health insurance costs are also included in the credit.

  • Employers face no payroll tax liability.

  • Self-employed individuals receive an equivalent credit.

• Fast Funds

  Reimbursement will be quick and easy to obtain.

  • An immediate dollar-for-dollar tax offset against payroll taxes will be provided

  • Where a refund is owed, the IRS will send the refund as quickly as possible.

• Small Business Protection

Employers with fewer than 50 employees are eligible for an exemption from the requirements to provide leave to care for a child whose school is closed, or child care is unavailable in cases where the viability of the business is threatened.

• Easing Compliance

  • Requirements subject to 30-day non-enforcement period for good faith compliance efforts.

To take immediate advantage of the paid leave credits, businesses can retain and access funds that they would otherwise pay to the IRS in payroll taxes. If those amounts are not sufficient to cover the cost of paid leave, employers can seek an expedited advance from the IRS by submitting a streamlined claim form that will be released next week.

We’re providing cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers and more who need the money they aren’t getting to survive.

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Providing information in the fields below submits a survey to determine damage related to disaster impacts in Florida

Short term loan (no fees, no interest for 1 yr - 12% per annum on the unpaid balance thereafter) which provides cash flow only to be used to maintain or restart operations.​

Check out this slideshow with important information regarding this Emergency Bridge Loan.

Offer up to $2 million in economic assistance to help small businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue resulting from the disaster. ​

Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

Facebook Live for Retail

Here are some tips:
Utilize your Facebook Page to offer online shopping by doing a live feature on your social media page and work out payment details via PayPal or other POS systems.

Take control of your email marketing and social media with one powerful marketing software.

Restaurants: CURBSIDE PICKUP

​Here some tips:​

• May need to change price point ($10)

• Set up online ordering (toast/googlemybusiness/gloriafood.com)

• 3rd party delivery services

• Pre-cooked meal specials

• Social media advertising of new services/menu items

• Use staff to do deliveries (insurance required)

In Florida, unemployment compensation is called reemployment assistance, and you’ll qualify if you have earned sufficient income in the 18 months before you are unemployed. The easiest way to find out if you qualify is to apply. You must apply online, but gather required information ahead of time so the process is as smooth as possible.

 American Express® is teaming up with Main Street America to give 10 small business owners $10,000 each to help their businesses innovate in this evolving retail landscape.

Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits to help during this challenging time.