OEV Announces the Closure of $1M Grant after Awarding 487 Businesses

This message is provided to you on behalf of the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality. 

 

OEV Announces the Closure of $1M Grant after Awarding 487 Businesses

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., April 6, 2020 – Today, the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) has announced the closure of its COVID-19 Economic Disaster Relief (CEDR) Grant Program after awarding 497 businesses with 4,598 employees and rapidly injected $1 million of direct support to the Tallahassee-Leon County local economy.

On March 25, the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency Board of Directors (IA Board), comprised of the Leon County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Tallahassee Commissioners, held an emergency meeting and activated the grant program.

“Local businesses need our support now more than ever,” Leon County Commission Chairman and Chairman of the IA Board Bryan Desloge said. “I am pleased that my colleagues and I made a swift decision to help small businesses weather the storm and provide a local bridge to state and federal assistance during this challenging time.”

Within 10 business days of activation, and continuing through today, the program received an enormous response from businesses impacted by the pandemic, which resulted in all funds being allocated and the CEDR Grant application process closing prior to the April 24 deadline.  No additional applications will be accepted at this time.

“Local businesses are the lifeblood of this community. Through this innovative, one-million dollar grant program, we’ve been able to quickly help hundreds of small businesses that we count on to provide a variety of goods and services and that collectively employ thousands of area residents,” said City Commissioner Elaine Bryant, vice president of the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency. “As we continue to fight the impacts of COVID-19, we must protect and support the things that make us proud to call Tallahassee home, including our local businesses.”

The CEDR Grant Program dedicated $1 million in local funds to leverage and align with up to $800 million federal funds to assist local small businesses. The grant, administered by OEV, was created to provide initial cash flow to businesses economically impacted by COVID-19. Funds were released on a rolling basis.

On April 15, the IA Board will meet again to evaluate the CEDR grant and discuss additional options for aiding the business community throughout the pandemic as well through recovery.

“The quick action by the IA Board to provide initial grant relief served 497 of small business, all who have been overwhelming grateful for this initial lifeline,” OEV Director Cristina Paredes said. “While coronavirus pandemic still leaves a lot of uncertainty, please know that our team at the Office of Economic Vitality is here to help answer your questions regarding business assistance programs at the local, state, and federal level.”

 

About the Tallahassee - Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV)

When you are looking to grow, relocate or start your business in Florida’s capital city, the Office of Economic Vitality is your front door to business resources. OEV can guide you in a variety of ways: site location, talent solutions, financial assistance, for instance. To foster a strong business climate, the Office of Economic Vitality provides data, resources and support to site selectors, state partners, and business leaders in the community alike. We serve as the connector between state economic development, workforce development and business.