THAP Weatherization Assistance Program

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) performs energy saving repairs and addresses inefficiencies in dwellings. 

 If you are interested in applying for this assistance applications are available at the CRA office at 35 N. 6th Street, Unit 1, Haines City, FL, 33844 or please contact the 

Tampa-Hillsborough Action Plan, email: contactus@thap-inc.org or call (813) 626-4926 for more information.

Haines City Safe Paint & Beautification Program

This is a year-round residential house paint program available to all qualifying residents within the Community Redevelopment Agency-approved boundaries. Increasing curb appeal is essential to revitalization in neighborhoods. This program assists residents with a fresh coat of paint for their homes. The project also provides required safety checks for all selected houses. 

Applications will be available May 1, 2021, at the CRA office at 35 N. 6th Street, Unit 1, Haines City, FL, 33844 or please contact us at (863) 421-9938 or email: CRAinfo@hainescity.com. 

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

At the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), providing state and federal resources to communities, businesses and Floridians is our top priority.

In coordination with state and federal partners, resources are available to assist employers and individuals impacted by the state’s efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Governor DeSantis also has filed emergency legislation and regulations to provide further support to Floridians during this time.

To assist small business and their employees, loans and short-time compensation programs to bridge the gap are available. To assist individuals, resources including Reemployment Assistance are available. Click here for more information

Florida SBDC at USF: Polk County

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business assists existing and emerging Polk County businesses through no-cost confidential business consulting information and low-cost training. Whether starting, buying, growing, or selling a business, the Florida SBDC at USF has what entrepreneurs need to grow and succeed. Consultants can assist entrepreneurs in various business areas, including marketing, business certification, capital access, market diversification, developing strategic business plans, export services, and web optimization. Click here for more information

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program has been activated by the Governor to provide short-term, interest-free loans to businesses impacted by COVID-19. Administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) in partnership with the Florida SBDC Network and Florida First Capital Finance Corporation (FFCFC), the bridge loan program is a short-term, interest-free loan program designed to help businesses bridge the gap between the time damage is incurred and when a business secures other financial resources, including payment of insurance claims or longer-term U.S. Small Business Administration loans. Click here for more information

U.S. SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations may apply for low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program. If your business has suffered substantial economic injury, you may qualify for an EIDL. EIDLs provide working capital to help businesses survive until normal operations resume after a disaster. The SBA can provide up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

If your business needs funding now, you can apply for a $10,000 grant to cover payroll while your EIDL application is being processed. Funds will be made available within days of successful application submission, and this loan advance does not have to be repaid even if the grantee is subsequently denied an EIDL. Click here for more information

 Paycheck Protection Program

An SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to directly incentivize small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks, and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution participating. Other regulated lenders will make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program.

Lenders may begin processing loan applications as soon as April 3, 2020. The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020. Click here for more information

 Facebook for Business Small Business Grants Program

We know that your business may be experiencing disruptions resulting from the global outbreak of COVID-19. We’ve heard that a little financial support can go a long way, so we offer $100M in cash grants and ad credits to help during this challenging time. Click here for more information

 Foundation for Contemporary Arts FCA Emergency Grants COVID-19 Fund

In light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the artist community, the Foundation for Contemporary Arts is creating a temporary fund to meet the needs of experimental artists who have been impacted by the economic fallout from postponed or canceled performances and exhibitions. If you are unsure whether your work is experimental, you can see other artists we have supported on our Instagram and website.

For as long as our Board of Directors determines it is necessary and prudent to do so, the Foundation will disburse $1,500 grants to artists who have had performances or exhibitions canceled or postponed because of the COVID-19 virus. Click here for more information

 Haines City Economic Development Council

The Haines City Economic Development Council hopes to provide our partners and community with reliable updates and resources during this ever-changing situation. We extend our deepest gratitude to all those working to aid others and serve the community to help contain COVID-19. Stay safe & healthy as we all can play a role in flattening the curve. Click here for more information