Business Assistance

Loans | Grants | Tax Extensions & Credits

Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) provides emergency assistance for eligible restaurants, bars, and other qualifying businesses impacted by COVID-19. Applications for this program will be accepted starting Monday, May 3, 2021 at noon. Registration for the application portal may begin Friday, April 30. For a complete overview of this program, including eligibility and how to apply, please visit the SBA RRF webpage.

Manatee County CARES Act Funding

Manatee County’s CARES Act funding program provides financial recovery assistance through four categories: Public Health/Safety, Economic Recovery, Community Health and Wellbeing, and Government and Community Facilities. These funding programs are now closed for applications. For more information, please visit the Manatee CARES website.

If you have submitted an application and want to check the status, click here for the login page.

Pandemic Relief Package and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

The current pandemic relief package provides critical support to bolster our economic recovery. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is designed to keep small business workers employed through loans that may be forgivable under certain circumstances. Please note: PPP applications are currently open until May 31, 2021. Additional information can be found on the links below.

U.S. Chamber Guidance
PPP Borrower (First Draw) Program Information and Application
PPP Borrower (Second Draw) Program Information and Application
Small Business Administration Guidelines for the PPP
U.S. Treasury Guidelines for the PPP and updated PPP FAQs

PPP Loan Forgiveness and Repayment Information

PPP Loan Forgiveness Form – Additional guidance, including instructions for borrowers, translations, and sample application forms.
PPP Frequently Asked Questions on Loan Forgiveness
AICPA PPP Loan Forgiveness Calculator – Uses available guidance from the Small Business Administration and Treasury, along with interpretations of that guidance (see notes throughout) to estimate the amount of a PPP loan that may be eligible for forgiveness.

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant

The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program provides grants to eligible entities including live venue operators, museum operators, and motion picture operators. Grant funds can be used for payroll costs, rent payments, utility payments and other specified expenses. SBA is still working to determine an exact reopening date for the application portal. To learn more about eligibility, how to register for a new account, FAQs, and allowable expenses please visit the Small Business Administration SVO Grant website.

Sarasota County CARES Act Funding

Sarasota County’s CARES Act-funded Small Business Assistance Grant Program is also closed for new applications. To view information and a funding dashboard visit their website.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) is a working capital loan to help small businesses meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a result of COVID-19. For more information visit the SBA online. The SBA is currently accepting new EIDL applications from all qualified small businesses, including agricultural business and private nonprofit organizations.

Main Street Lending Program

The Federal Reserve has established a Main Street Lending Program to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. More information is available on the Federal Reserve webpage.

Tax Credits and Extensions

The Employee Retention Tax Credit is a federal refundable tax credit designed to encourage employers to keep employees on their payroll. This employee retention credit has been extended for six months through June 30, 2021.