Impact Update for Thursday, December 3
Each week, we will distribute our Impact Update newsletter on Thursdays. We encourage you to share this information with friends, families, and business owners who may be able to take advantage of the resources and programming options listed below.

Jason Siegel
President & CEO
Greater Orlando Sports Commission
“Sportsmanship for me is when a guy walks off the court and you really can’t tell whether he won or lost, when he carries himself with pride either way.”

– Jim Courier
American Pro Tennis Player / Tennis Channel Analyst

Local Resources.

  • Visit these pages for the most critical local health and government updates, as well as COVID-19 Testing Site Locations:
  • City of Orlando: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
  • Orange County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
  • Osceola County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
  • Lake County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
  • Seminole County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
  • Facial Coverings Executive Orders are still in effect for both Orange County and Seminole County, as this protective measure prevents the spread of COVID-19.
  • City of Orlando Updates:
  • In an effort to attract quality retail operators to the area, the City of Orlando's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) created the Retail Stimulus Program. Applicants are eligible to receive up to $75,000 or 50% of the total cost of tenant improvement related costs, whichever is less. Improvement related costs include electrical upgrades, plumbing, flooring, lighting, and more. Applicants will also be able to receive a one-time award of up to $25,000 to cover rent expenses.
  • The City of Orlando's CRA has also created the Small Business Rental Assistance Program in partnership with the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP). This program will allow eligible small businesses in downtown to apply for a rent subsidy for up to $5,000 per month for a maximum of $30,000 per business.
  • The Downtown Development Board (DDB) Special Event Funding program will now provide up to $3,000 to qualifying downtown businesses to support reopening marketing efforts. Apply for funding here.
  • Park DTO has been extended through Feb. 1, 2021! Patrons can enjoy FREE parking in metered street spaces and inside specific City of Orlando garages, while dining and shopping in Downtown Orlando. Click here to learn more about Park DTO. Eligible business owners can click here to apply for parking validations to provide to your patrons.
  • Orange County Updates:
  • The application portal for the Orange CARES for Individuals and Family Assistance Program will re-open on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 8am. This may be the last time the portal opens in order to meet the CARES spending deadline. The program provides a one-time payment of $1,000 per household for residents affected by COVID-19. Residents who have already received funding from the previous Individual and Family Assistance Program are not eligible to apply. Updated information is available here.
  • Orange County Government is partnering with CareerSource Central Florida and Valencia College to offer a variety of short-term, vocational training courses at the Orange County Convention Center. Residents can apply for tuition assistance through CareerSource Central Florida’s “Help is Here” grant program.
  • Orange County launched a COVID-19 Eviction Diversion Program that will provide assistance for up to three months of past due rent, with a cap of $4,000, to residents who have been impacted financially by COVID-19. The program will close to new applicants on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020.
  • Orange County Government has awarded a Community Development Block Grant of more than $570,000 dollars to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando & Osceola County. The grant funding will provide free roof repairs to residents in Unincorporated Orange County, and select municipalities such as Apopka and Winter Park. Applications are currently closed, but check the website regularly for updates as the application program may re-open in the coming weeks.
  • Orange County Health Services Department is providing free flu vaccinations. Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever during a pandemic because it can save resources for the care of patients with COVID-19. Click here to book an appointment.
  • To assist low-income Orange County residents with spay/neuter costs, Orange County Animal Services announced a new voucher program making these free services available. Click here for program details and to obtain a voucher for a free spay or neuter service visit.
  • Osceola County Updates:
  • Osceola County has begun an initiative to identify the special attributes of the county, with the ultimate goal of developing a "brand" that embraces the uniqueness of Osceola County to market to attract future visitors and business prospects. To gather information, they are asking residents and business owners to complete an English or Spanish questionnaire online. Visit BrandingOsceola.com before Thursday, Dec. 10 for more information.
  • After receiving $3.2 million in funding from the Federal CARES Act, Osceola County is expanding their program to help small businesses throughout the county, including the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud. Visit WeveOpenedSafely.com for more information and to apply.
  • Osceola County is currently accepting applications for emergency utility assistance for households impacted by COVID19. Funding is available for electric, gas, and water utilities only. If you reside in Osceola County and your household is impacted, please click here to complete the application.
  • Lake County Updates:
  • Lake County residents can reach out to the Lake County Department of Housing and Human Services for information on SHIP rental assistance. Email SHIP@lakecountyfl.gov to receive an application and a secure link for uploading their forms and supporting documents. Residents can also call 352-742-6530, fax 352-742-6505 or come by the office, located at 2008 Classique Lane in Tavares. Click here for more information.
  • Seminole County Updates
  • Seminole County's COVID-responsible business listing site is live for business owners to begin promoting their businesses. Visit SeminoleSafeBusiness.com and click “Submit a Business” at the top of the page to begin. The site is intended to help promote businesses that are taking action to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  • If you have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and live in Seminole County, The Sharing Center is currently accepting applications for rent/mortgage and utilities assistance. Click here for program criteria and to learn how to apply.
  • Covering Central Florida offers health coverage and a Special Enrollment Period for individuals who have been laid off related to COVID-19.
  • Additional Resources:
  • The CDC will shorten guidance for quarantining after COVID-19 exposure to 10 days, or seven days with a negative test.
  • Orlando Health has a website specifically designed for those in the business community returning to normal operations. The site features tips and best practices from medical experts, including facts about COVID-19.
  • AdventHealth CentraCare's Employer Resources hub provides a vast number of resources to assist businesses as they reopen. Their team of physicians and clinical experts can assist with business re-opening through consultation, comprehensive safety plan development and key services.
  • OUC has launched the Small Business Assistance Fund, which provides up to $2,500 in utility assistance for small businesses facing financial hardship due to COVID-19. Aid will be in the form of a credit adjustment on your next OUC bill. Click here for more information and to apply.
  • OneBlood is testing all blood donations for the COVID-19 antibody. The test is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the virus, regardless of whether they ever showed symptoms. Appointments to donate are required. Click here for more information.
  • Join Orlando Regional Chamber members for the inaugural – and virtual – "Business Opportunities Network" event on Dec. 10 from 9am-10am. Using Remo, a new digital platform that functions almost like an in-person event, you'll join in conversations with other participants at virtual tables.
  • Join i4 Business Magazine in celebrating some of the most admired and influential individuals shaping the future of Central Florida at the 2020 Business Leaders of the Year event! Click here to register now for the Dec. 10 virtual event.
  • Join the Downtown Orlando Partnership for a new webinar series in partnership with UCF, "This is Downtown." Surrounding points of pride, challenges, and opportunities in the Downtown Orlando business environment, you'll hear from experts and learn what assets we have on hand to keep Downtown Orlando exciting and enticing for years to come.
  • Join the experts at Withum for a virtual discussion on Friday, Dec. 11 to address the questions nonprofit organizations are asking in today’s “new normal”. Panelists will discuss how nonprofits are pivoting to adapt for 2021 and beyond.


Stay Engaged.



“Jimmy Hewitt is the reason the Magic and professional sports exist in Orlando. It was Jimmy’s belief, perseverance, community spirit and vision that ‘Orlando is the place to be’, which brought NBA basketball to Orlando and Central Florida. He is truly the founding father of the Orlando Magic and for that we will be eternally grateful.”

-Alex Martins, Orlando Magic CEO
See Jimmy Hewitt story below...


Around The Horn.

“The thing about a leader is, when they leave a place, did they leave it better than they found it? As KZ leaves, as he looks back and we look back, he certainly has left UCF in a much better place than he found it.”
– Josh Heupel
UCF Head Football Coach
In The News.



Fun & Games.