June 23, 2020
By: Press Release
Hillsborough County, Fla. (June 23, 2020) – Small business owners in Hillsborough County can now access a new convenient portal to prepare to apply for economic recovery financial assistance through the Hillsborough County Rapid Response Recovery Assistance Program (R3).
Through the new portal, located at HCFLGov.net/R3biz, business owners can review full details for the three program options, qualifying criteria, required documents, application periods, resources to assist potential applicants, along with a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions.
The program is being rolled out in phases so that businesses in economically distressed areas can have first access to funding. However, the program has dedicated funding in each phase so that opportunities are available for qualifying businesses in all application phases.
Business owners can call (888) 393-7509 to ask questions about the program or get help setting up an account in the portal. Those who need assistance in deciding which program option to choose can also make a phone or virtual appointment with a business consultant by contacting the Hillsborough County Entrepreneur Collaborative Center (ECC) at (813) 204-9297.
More than 100 residents attended a virtual informational session on Monday to find out how their businesses can take advantage of the R3 program. Info sessions happen daily through July 2, including Spanish options. Residents can sign up for the sessions by visiting HCFLGov.net/R3biz.
Business can qualify for one of three different programs:
- Kickstart Small Business – up to $10,000 in working capital, for businesses with up to $3 million in annual revenue
- Back to Work – up to $2,000 per employee in payroll incentives to hire or rehire workers, for businesses with up to $20 million in annual revenue
- Safe at Work – up to $10,000 matching reimbursement for the cost of qualifying workplace improvements directly related to mitigating the spread of COVID-19, for businesses with up to $20 million in annual revenue
Hillsborough County’s R3 program is designed to maximize the impact of the federal CARES Act funding. The initiative aims to create programs that target communities in the greatest need, simplify the application process for businesses, and quickly inject strategic funding that can do the most economic good in the fastest timeframe.