The Riviera Beach Economic and Business Development offers financing and technical assistance programs that promote business growth and job creation throughout Riviera Beach.
In an effort to combat the negative impacts of COVID-19 on our local economy, please see the following link for more information:
Programs
Currently there are two large employer assistance programs:
1. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Florida small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19. SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance per small business and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
The application period runs through December 18, 2020.
These working capital loans are intended to assist small businesses in meeting their financial obligations through the disaster recovery period. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can't be paid because of the disaster's impact.
2. Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans
Palm Beach County businesses can also apply for a Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan. These short-term, interest-free working capital loans are intended to "bridge the gap" between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources, such as sufficient profits from a revived business, receipt of payments on insurance claims or federal disaster assistance.
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Federal - SBA Economic Injury Business Disaster Loan:
This is a long-term loan (up to $2 million and terms up to 30 years)
These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%. The SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
Economic Injury Disaster Advance Loan
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. This advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application. This loan advance may not have to be repaid.
Additional Help & Inspiration
Congressman Brian Mast: "Helping Americans Through Coronavirus"
Workplace Tips for Employees
Employ Florida for Access to Jobs
CareerSource Palm Beach County Virtual Career System
Toughing it out - maintaining mental health....
There are many other resources to support you and your business during these unusual times. It seems new programs are being created weekly as COVID-19 affects more communities. You can get started by checking out these sites. For emotional/mental support:
News
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) issued reemployment assistance updates on the Reemployment Assistance (RA) Claims Dashboard. As of July 5, DEO has paid 1,629,218 claimants a total of $8.79 billion ($8,797,010,701).
- On a quarterly basis, pursuant to Federal guidance, DEO must determine if individuals who are currently receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) are ineligible for state Reemployment Assistance benefits. This routine task, often referred to as the Quarter Change, will determine if individuals could now be eligible for state Reemployment Assistance benefits.
- The Quarter Change shifts the base period from January 2019 – December 2019 to April 2019 to March 2020.
- To learn more about the quarter change and wage base period, please review the Reemployment Assistance Eligibility Requirements.
PANDEMIC EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION:
- The Federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program is now available. This program, offered through the federal CARES Act and administered by DEO, provides up to 13 weeks of benefits to a claimant who has exhausted their Reemployment Assistance benefits.
- Floridians will need to apply for PEUC benefits once the balance of their current claim is exhausted. Floridians who have already exhausted their benefits or have a Reemployment Assistance claim that expired after July 1, 2019, will also be able to apply.
PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE:
- The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program provides unemployment benefits to those that may not otherwise be eligible under Florida’s state Reemployment Assistance program, including independent contractors and individuals who are self-employed. Individuals who have been impacted by COVID-19 and believe they may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, can visit www.FloridaJobs.org and select "File a Claim" to apply and be considered for PUA.
ADDITIONAL UPDATES:
- DEO will be conducting nightly maintenance to the CONNECT system to process claims and payments. CONNECT will be available from 8 a.m. to 7:59 p.m. daily.This schedule does not affect individuals that wish to file a new claim.Individuals can file a new claim 24 hours a day, seven days per week at www.FloridaJobs.org and select "File a Claim."
- StartingMonday, July 6, the request to modify the date of your claim must be made by calling the Reemployment Assistance Customer Service center at1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759 and choose option 5). You may be eligible to modify the date of your claim to the date you originally attempted to apply for Reemployment Assistance only if you were unable to file a claim between the weeks ofMarch 9, 2020 to April 9, 2020.
- Governor Ron DeSantis has directed DEO to continue waiving the work search and work registration requirements for claimants through August 1, 2020.
- Additionally, the waiting week requirement will continue to be waived through August 1, 2020.
HOW TO APPLY FOR REEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE: