LeeCares PROGRAM LAUNCHES 8:00AM TODAY
Applications open today for LeeCares assistance programs. There are 4 categories of assistance, Individual , PPE Supply , Small Business Relaunch , and Childcare * . We have been informed that there is a significant amount of funding and it is more important for applications to be complete, rather than rushed. Please review the eligibility requirements and take the time to gather the needed information before applying.

Application instructions also are available in Spanish by calling 239-533-2273 (or 239-LEE-CARES); applicants without internet access can also call the number. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

*Contact your childcare provider directly to apply for Childcare Assistance.
SMALL BUSINESS RELAUNCH
A $5,000 relaunch grant intended to help offset the unintended costs of reopening or relaunching a small business as a result of being directly affected by the Safer at Home Act. Funds can only be used to reimburse the costs of business interruption caused by required closures that are not covered by insurance or another federal program. Business must have 25 or fewer employees, and the business owner must be a Lee County resident.

PPE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The following business segments (with less than 25 employees) are eligible for PPE kits: medical & dental practices; childcare services & youth camps; museums & historical sites; amusement & recreation centers; independent restaurants; barber shops, beauty salons, nail salons & personal care services. Each kit will contain a predetermined quantity of surgical masks, rubber gloves, and hand sanitizer (while supplies last). Approved applicants will be emailed a confirmation receipt and directions for pick-up.

INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE
Rent, mortgage, utilities assistance. Maximum assistance of $2,000 per household. Payments will be made directly to the landlord, mortgage company, and/or utility company. Household income must be less than $55,000 per year at the time of application. Applicant must have had a loss of employment or reduced work hours due to COVID-19.

CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE
Households can apply for childcare assistance waivers through a United Way Gold-Seal childcare provider. Contact your childcare provider to inquire about assistance options including the United Way vouchers.

FLORIDA BY THE NUMBERS WITH DR. JERRY PARRISH
On Thursday, May 28 at noon , Dr. Jerry Parrish from the Florida Chamber Foundation will go through the Florida Scorecard , a data-based information scorecard that shares everything from COVID19 cases, unemployment statistics to 3rd grade reading level. He will explain the data behind the numbers and then dig deeper into the Lee County numbers. Join us for this lunchtime virtual event (bring your own lunch!)

It’s just $10 to join us — please be sure to register and we’ll send you your sign-in credentials.
COMPLETE THE NEXT FGCU ECONOMIC IMPACT SURVEY
Florida Gulf Coast University developed a baseline of economic conditions in their March Coronavirus Economic Impact Survey, and have been updating the benchmark on a monthly basis so they can track it over time.  The second follow-up survey will start on May 26 , and it should capture sentiment reflecting changes associated with Phase 1 re-openings. Please complete the survey to help gather this important information.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL EVENT
Join us on Wednesday, June 3 at 4:00PM for a special virtual Women in Business (WIB) presentation from Kitchen Social .

Outgoing WIB chair Jessica Walker and incoming chair Kelly Talamo will participate in a cooking demonstration with a chef from  Kitchen Social.  We will share the dish and ingredients in advance so you can participate from your own kitchen!

At this event we will also be thanking Jessica for all of her work as chair, and welcoming Kelly as she takes the committee reins for 2020-2021. Admission is free, though registration is required for access to this virtual event. There are also options to donate $10 or $20 to the Women in Business scholarship fund at registration. 
NEW PRIZES ADDED FOR THE 144 ENVELOPE ADVENTURE
We have launched a new initiative to help us, help our businesses and community: the 144 Envelope Adventure! Each envelope is numbered from $1 to $144, and the dollar amount determines the number of entries in the drawing. For example, for $6 you get 6 chances, for $49 you get 49 chances, etc. The drawing for all prizes will be on Thursday, June 18. Funds raised from this activity will help us continue to support our local businesses and community.
Prizes are being added daily and include:


Thank you to all of the businesses and individuals donating prizes! If your business would like to contribute a prize, please contact Linda Onorevole, 239.332.2930, linda@fortmyers.org .