Apply by June 1 for the Pinellas CARES Small Business Grant
  • Pinellas CARES Small Business Grant program open through June 1, 2020
  • Funding is still available and eligible applicants are encouraged to apply
  • Apply online at: www.PCED.org/cares

Since opening applications on May 4, Pinellas County has received 3,846 completed applications and issued 378 checks totaling $1.89 million to eligible businesses with approved applications for the Pinellas CARES Small Business Grant. 

Small business owners with a commercial location in the county have until June 1, 2020 to complete their application online , to be considered for a one-time $5,000 grant to cover COVID-19 related expenses such as employee wages, vendor bills and mortgage or rent costs. 

Not all business owners in the categories below will meet the eligibility requirements for this grant funding. However, business owners who may be eligible are encouraged to visit PCED.org/cares to review the full eligibility requirements. 
  • Restaurants
  • Bars
  • Lodging and short-term rentals
  • Barbershops
  • Hair salons
  • Nail salons
  • Retail store fronts that were required to close due to COVID-19
  • Theaters, bowling alleys, concert venues and similar types of businesses

Applicants should review all eligibility requirements and ensure all required documents are correctly submitted to expedite the review and approval process for the grant. Program details, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions, can be found at this pced.org/caresfaq .

This grant funding is from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and may only be used for business expenses, such as rent, utility bills, payroll and other costs. These funds cannot be used to pay expenses covered by insurance or another federal assistance program.

Individuals and families who have lost a job or significant income due to the pandemic can also request emergency help paying overdue rent and utilities through the Pinellas CARES Financial Assistance program, which also runs through June 1. Income and residency requirements apply. Applicants can text COVIDCARES to 898211 to start the application process. Learn more at: https://covid19.pinellascounty.org/pinellascaresindividual .
Pinellas County Economic Development