City of Tampa Business Relief Website:

On March 16, 2020, Governor DeSantis announced the opening of a $50 million disaster bridge loan. This provides zero-interest loans of up to $50,000 for businesses that have been in business before March 9, 2020. Tampa’s businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. These funds are limited. For more assistance, call the Florida SBDC at USF at 813-905-5800.

Business owners are asked to business participate in the Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey. The results from this survey will allow Governor DeSantis to request that the federal government declare Hillsborough County a federal disaster area, which will open up additional sources of business funding through the Small Business Administration, FEMA and federal agencies.

The Short Time Compensation program helps employers retain their workforce in times of temporary slowdown by encouraging work sharing as an alternative to layoff.

The program permits prorated reemployment assistance benefits to employees whose work hours and earnings are reduced as part of a Short Time Compensation plan to avoid total layoff of some employees.

Zoom Virtual Meetings

Meeting your clients online via Zoom. You can meet via webcam/mic or clients can call-in.

We’ve used this service for years to work from virtually with our team.

Free plans are available that will meet most people’s needs.

SWEL: Grants for Event Pros in Crisis

SWEL has set up a grant program to offer financial assistance to wedding and event vendors who are struggling. With the busiest 3 months of event season being canceled or postponed, many cannot bear these financial strains.

You can choose to donate anonymously, as an individual or as a recognized sponsor with your business.

If every SWEL member donated $20, we could give out more than $2,000 dollars. With $50, it could be over $5,000! This money will be going directly to your peers who are most in need right now.

If YOU are in need of financial assistance, please fill out the application. There is no shame in asking for help. An impartial panel will be put together to discuss applications and allocate the funds.

Upcoming Events

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