Veteran small business owners can now apply for grant under new COVID-19 relief program spearheaded by Commissioner Diaz

MIAMI-DADE – Veterans and active duty military personnel with small businesses can now apply for up to $25,000 in grant money to help them weather the COVID-19 crisis under a new program established by legislation sponsored by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz.

To apply for the grant, go to https://www8.miamidade.gov/apps/ISD/SBD_VBG. Or visit Commissioner Diaz’s website. The grant money can be used for such business expenses as rent, mortgage, utility bills, licenses, insurance and PPE purchases to comply with COVID-19 safety orders.

Applicants must demonstrate past or imminent financial loss due to COVID-19 and present proof of a valid Veteran’s Affairs identification card or a copy of Department of Defense Form 214. The program will give preference to applicants who demonstrate that they have not received financial assistance from other emergency county, city, state, or federal forgivable loan or grant programs established in response to COVID-19.

“Now more than ever, we need to be there for our veterans, many of whom have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus crisis,” Commissioner Diaz said. “I’m very proud to have sponsored this important legislation to utilize a portion of our federal coronavirus funding to specifically help our veterans and active duty military personnel who have put everything on the line for this country and who deserve our help especially during these times.”

The grant program for small businesses owned by veterans or active duty military personnel is utilizing $5 million in funding from the federal CARES Act, which was signed into law in March by President Trump to provide financial relief to individuals and businesses financially impacted by the coronavirus state of emergency. In addition to the $5 million for small businesses, Commissioner Diaz’s legislation includes $10 million in federal coronavirus funding for homeowners or tenants who are veterans or active duty military personnel and another $5 million in CARES Act funding for veterans or active duty military personnel in need of basic items such as groceries, gas and toiletries. Grant applications for these two additional programs are not yet available as they are still being finalized.