City of Kissimmee Small Business Relief Grants

The Small Business Relief Grant is administered by the City of Kissimmee as part of its Business Boost program, an initiative designed to support local economic stability and recovery. The program specifically targets small businesses operating within the city limits that continue to experience financial challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. By offering direct financial assistance that does not require repayment, the City aims to help sustain business operations, preserve local employment, and maintain the vitality of the Kissimmee economy. The primary purpose of the grant is to provide relief to qualifying small businesses that have suffered measurable economic hardship between March 1, 2020, and December 30, 2024. Eligible uses of funds include offsetting revenue losses, covering increased operational costs such as rent or insurance, and addressing accumulated debt that has negatively impacted cash flow. The grant is structured as a tiered funding program, with award amounts determined by the physical size of the business, ensuring proportional support based on operational scale. Eligibility for the program is limited to businesses that maintain a physical presence within Kissimmee city limits, including both brick and mortar establishments and qualifying home based businesses. Applicants must meet the Small Business Administration definition of a small business, employing fewer than 500 individuals, and must have been established prior to March 11, 2021. Additional requirements include maintaining an active City of Kissimmee Business Tax Receipt, being listed as active on the Florida Division of Corporations registry, and remaining compliant with all local taxes, fees, and zoning regulations. The application process requires submission of a completed application form along with a comprehensive set of supporting documentation. Required materials include business tax receipts, proof of registration with the City vendor system, a signed W 9 form, and business tax returns spanning 2019 through 2023. Applicants must also provide documentation demonstrating financial hardship, such as lease agreements or financial statements. The City reserves the right to request additional documentation as needed to verify eligibility and claims. Applications are reviewed on a first come, first served basis, and submission does not guarantee funding. Awards are contingent upon eligibility verification, completeness of the application, and availability of program funds. While specific evaluation criteria are not formally outlined, priority is implicitly given to businesses that clearly demonstrate significant pandemic related hardship and meet all compliance requirements. Applicants are advised that grant funds may be considered taxable income and should consult a tax professional. At the time of this analysis, the program is temporarily paused due to high demand, and no new applications are being accepted. No explicit application open or close dates are provided, nor is there confirmation of recurring funding cycles. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the City of Kissimmee Economic Development Department for updates. For assistance, applicants may contact the department via email at economicdevelopment@kissimmee.gov or by phone at 407 518 2556.

Ensure registrations are current. First-come, first-served. Submission does not guarantee award.