We Are Here For Your Hollywood Business
The City of Hollywood’s Office of Communications, Marketing & Economic Development (CMED) is open for business, compiling information to assist Hollywood businesses throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage you to check the City of Hollywood’s webpage, sign up for City and Business email/text updates, and follow us on Facebook. Our team is available to talk you through any of your business-related issues. Contact us at 954.921.3620 or by email.
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City of Hollywood: Backing Business - Temporary Café Zones
As part of the City’s "Backing Business" initiative, Temporary Café Zones have been created to assist ocal restaurants and food establishments by expanding outdoor dining. The Program Guide gives restaurants the informtion needed to use these zones.
Informational Sessions Scheduled
Hollywood businesses interested in participating in the Temporary Café Zones Program are invited to attend an informational session hosted by the City’s Economic Development Team. Join via WebEx Events using the password: CMED2020 at the links below.
Monday, May 18 at 10AM
Monday, May 18 at 3PM
Tuesday, May 19 at 9AM
Tuesday, May 19 at 2PM
To learn more and apply for Temporary Café Zones, please click here.
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Phase 1 of Reopening Hollywood Businesses Begins Monday, May 18
On Monday, May 18, 2020, Phase 1 of the "Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery" will be initiated for Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. Under the Phase 1 order, some businesses previously closed or open only for certain activities will be able to reopen with restrictions.
These businesses include: Professional Services; Restaurants and Food Establishments; Personal Services such as barbershops and salons; Drive-In Movie Theaters; Community Rooms, Fitness Centers and Gyms in Housing Developments; Public Community Pools and Private Club Pools, and Museums.
Click here to learn more about how the Phase 1 reopening will affect your Hollywood business operations.
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COVID-19 Small Business Survey
The City of Hollywood is seeking information from small business owners about challenges facing their business as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Your answers will help us understand and identify the challenges facing small businesses in our community and will inform local policy decision making.
Take our survey here.
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Open Your Taps to Flush Your Pipes
Prior to employees returning to work, the City of Hollywood Public Utilities Department recommends that businesses open their water taps to flush pipes prior to consumption. Buildings that have been closed up have seen a reduction in water use, which could cause stagnant water to settle in the plumbing. Follow EPA and AWWA recommendations for protecting water quality for your employees by flushing systems thoroughly prior to use. For more information, please visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) website.
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FastTrac® Start-Up Program - Apply here by the May 21 deadline.
Kauffman FastTrac® equips entrepreneurs with the business skills and insights, tools, resources and peer networks necessary to start and grow businesses, helping to clear the path from idea to business start.
In the City of Hollywood FastTrac® Start-Up Program, you will:
- Build your skills as an entrepreneur
- Research, develop and determine the viability of a business concept
- Master the business planning process using a step-by-step approach
- Analyze and test the concept at various checkpoints
- Develop a strong business plan and connect to services that will help you start your business
- Compete in a business plan and pitch competition
FastTrac® Start-Up Application Criteria
- Open to Hollywood residents and businesses ONLY
- Entrepreneurs, early-stage small business owners, and businesses wishing to develop a new line of products or services in an effort to adapt to COVID-19 challenges
- Strength, development and ability of your business idea/concept to survive during this new uncertain economy
Interested applicants should submit comprehensive descriptions and responses to questions in order to strengthen the application and increase chances of acceptance. Include your past work experience as it relates to your business idea, experience and knowledge in the industry, knowledge of target market, and any steps taken towards launch.
Apply here by the May 21 deadline.
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"Simple Steps to Restarting Your Business" Workshop Series
Every Thursday evening in May, Broward SCORE experts will discuss the following topics to help your business better prepare for reopening in this COVID-19 economy:
• Sales Tactics to Restart or Recover
• Develop a Marketing Strategy for Recovery
• Focus on Employees
• It’s All About the Money
Receive optimal benefit from this free, expert-led online series by attending all 4 sessions: May 7, 14, 21, 28 at 6:00 p.m.
Register here for this 4-session series.
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Important Update: Business Assistance Programs
President Trump Signs $484 Billion In Federal Aid For Small Business Lending Programs
On Friday, April 24, 2020, President Donald Trump signed legislation providing an additional $310 billion in funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), $60 billion of which is reserved for community banks and small lenders; $75 billion for hospitals; $25 billion to support testing efforts; and $60 billion for emergency disaster loans and grants. Read the COVID-19 Federal Legislative Summary Update here.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act Fact Sheets: CLICK HERE
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Updates on Business COVID-19 Assistance & Restarting - Watch the recording here
Hear the most current guidance on how to access the second round of federal assistance funding for your small business, as well as additional sources of cash that are built into the CARES Act. Preparations for small businesses to take upon reopening were also discussed during this free webinar.
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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) - APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for 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.
Applications are only accepted through existing SBA 7(a) lenders or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to 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.
Need an SBA-approved lender to apply for PPP? Use this search tool to find nearby lenders eligible to issue a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program. Due to high demand for this program, we advise you to contact your lender(s) and confirm if PPP applications are still being accepted.
PPP Funding Workshop: Watch this video from the Office of Economic and Small Business Development of Broward County.
AICPA’s List of Recommendations For PPP Application & Loan Forgiveness
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has outlined the steps businesses should take both when applying for a PPP loan, as well as guidelines to maximize PPP loan forgiveness. Review these steps now to submit an effective PPP application and prepare for loan forgiveness at the end of the 8-week covered period.
Among other suggestions for loan forgiveness, the AICPA urges that:
- The 8-week covered period under PPP should align with the beginning of a pay period, not the date loan proceeds are received.
- The 8-week period should commence once local stay-at-home restrictions are lifted, not when loan proceeds are received, so small businesses have adequate funds to ramp up operations.
- Full-time job equivalents (FTEs) can be calculated using a simple wage-based proxy when hours worked are not tracked by the employer.
- Payroll reduction calculations should be based on average payroll per employee per week, not total compensation per employee.
Click here for AICPA’s List of Recommendations
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Reemployment Assistance - Application Guide
(formerly Unemployment Compensation)
Reemployment Assistance benefits (formerly Unemployment Compensation) are available to Floridians whose employment has been negatively impacted as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and is available for workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. In Florida, a maximum of $275 a week is typically available for a maximum of 26 weeks. The CARES Act has provided for $600 a week for a maximum of 16 weeks in additional assistance and made other modifications due to the current pandemic.
According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, if you were denied benefits or if you applied on or before April 4, you should reapply online at www.FloridaJobs.org (regardless of whether you have received a response from the department). This includes gig workers, independent contractors, the self-employed, people who just moved to Florida, or almost anyone else who wouldn’t normally be eligible for state benefits.
If you applied on or after April 5, the state will already be able to process your claim.
Please click here for the City of Hollywood’s Reemployment Assistance Application Guide, which is a step-by-step guide on how to complete and submit the online application. In addition to applying online from a computer or mobile device, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is now accepting paper applications for Reemployment Assistance claims (available in English, Spanish and Creole). Here are three ways to obtain a paper application to mail in:
A) Download an application here and mail it to: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, P.O. Box 5350, Tallahassee, FL 32314-5350.
B) FedEx is now offering free printing and mailing of Reemployment Assistance paper applications at over 100 storefronts across the state. Click here to find your nearest FedEx store location.
C) Pick up a paper application from a CareerSource Broward career center below, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Once you have completed your paper application, please mail it to: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, P.O. Box 5350, Tallahassee, FL 32314-5350.
- 7550 Davie Road Extension, Hollywood, 33024
- 2610 West Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, 33311
- 4941 Coconut Creek Pkwy, Coconut Creek, 33063
PIN Trouble When Applying For Reemployment Assistance
If you are unable to reset your PIN online:
- Call the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for assistance: 1-800-297-0586
- CareerSource Broward is now doing PIN resets for Reemployment Assistance (RA) customers in order to assist DEO with the overflow of PIN reset requests. Click here, scroll down to the “Get Help With Resetting Your CONNECT PIN” section, and click on the “Submit PIN Reset Request” button. This puts your name on a list so your PIN can be reset by CareerSource Broward staff.
Please note that in some cases, individuals may need to authenticate their identity. To do this, you will need to send a copy of your driver license and social security card to DEO:
- OR -
Still have questions regarding Reemployment Assistance? Check out the FAQ page on the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity website.
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Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) & EIDL Emergency Advance
Notice: Lapse in Appropriations - SBA is unable to accept new applications at this time for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)-COVID-19 related assistance program (including EIDL Advances) based on available appropriations funding. Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) provides vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This program is for any small business with less than 500 employees (including sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed individuals), private non-profit organization or 501(c)(19) veterans organizations affected by COVID-19.
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COVID-19 Webinars
The SBA South Florida District Office will host a series of Small Business Recovery webinars in English and Spanish to provide the latest information on how the SBA is helping small businesses with their economic recovery from the effects of COVID-19.
- Monday, May 18, 2020 • 9am – 11am • Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
- Monday, May 18, 2020 • 2pm – 3pm • Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
- Tuesday, May 19, 2020 • 9am – 11am • Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
- Tuesday, May 19, 2020 (Spanish) • 11am – 1pm • Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
- Tuesday, May 19, 2020 • 1pm – 3pm • Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
- Wednesday, May 20, 2020 • 9am – 11am • Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
- Wednesday, May 20, 2020 • 1pm – 3pm • Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
- Thursday, May 21, 2020 • 9am – 11am • Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
- Thursday, May 21, 2020 (Spanish) • 11am – 1pm • Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
- Thursday, May 21, 2020 • 1pm – 3pm • Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
- Friday, May 22, 2020 • 9am – 11am • Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
- Friday, May 22, 2020 • 1pm – 3pm • Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
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Considering laying off your employees? Watch this video first from Mason Jackson, CareerSource Broward President & CEO.
The City of Hollywood urges its business community to evaluate the Short-Time Compensation Program in an effort to curtail major layoffs.
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. Apply here.
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Florida Small Business Emergency Loan Program
Currently, the DEO is not accepting applications for the Emergency Bridge Loan Program. If you have previously applied, check your application status below.
View Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan
Frequently Asked Questions
Check Application Status
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and its emergency bridge loan partners will continue to review applications that are received online or postmarked by Monday, April 13, 2020. DEO and its Emergency Bridge Loan partners will continue to quickly and efficiently process loans for Florida businesses affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19 until available funds are expended.
For questions regarding the loan program, please contact DEO toll-free at 833-832-4494 or email FloridaBusinessLoanFund@deo.myflorida.com.
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Has COVID-19 affected your business? Take this survey to help activate additional resources.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) issued the Business Damage Assessment Survey to evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy. The survey’s feedback allows the State Government to fully assess the economic impact COVID-19 is having on Florida businesses and industries, in order to mobilize the appropriate resources to help alleviate those pressures. The Business Damage Assessment Survey can be taken online. Results will be shared with government agencies and local partners, including the Small Business Administration (SBA). For inquiries/assistance with the survey, contact ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
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Financial Impact of COVID-19: Retailers & Landlords Can Take Action
Shelter-in-place orders, designed to stem the spread of COVID-19, also mean uncertainty and disruption, including widespread closures of shopping centers. SCT spoke with four experts about what landlords should do; what retailers can do; landlord liquidity, both short term and long term; and how the CARES Act stacks up. Read the full article here.
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Important Information on Vacation Rentals
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 20-87 mandating that all parties engaged in the rental of vacation rental properties suspend these operations. All vacation rentals are prohibited from making new reservations or bookings and must not accept any new guests for check-in for the duration of the order.
If you believe any licensee is operating contrary to the Governor’s Executive Order 20-71 or Executive Order 20-87, please report the information to Department of Business and Professional Regulation using this form.
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CONNEX Florida: Florida’s Supply Chain Database
The purpose of this tool is to help Florida manufacturers better connect with each other, be discovered, and increase business opportunities. Through this database you can:
- Connect with manufacturers
- Post RFPs/RFQs/RFIs
- Exchange surplus materials & equipment
- Identify workforce and R&D offerings
- Search processes, equipment, certifications, NAICS, SIC, products, materials
For more information on Connex Florida, click here.
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Economic Impact Payments
Distribution of economic impact payments from the IRS to help Americans through the COVID-19 crisis has begun. Visit the IRS page to learn who qualifies and how it works.
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Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
Upcoming GHCC Programs & Content: Webinars and online classes, provided by GHCC members and experts, can be viewed here.
COVID-19 Best Practices: A Guide To Doing Business: The Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) is creating a "COVID-19 Best Practices: A Guide To Doing Business" forum to help businesses adapt and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Email the GHCC if you:
- Are hosting a virtual seminar
- Have a blog with valuable content
- Are posting content on social media
- Have information to contribute which assists the business community to conduct better business
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Local Restaurant Guides: If your Hollywood restaurant offers curbside pickup, takeout, delivery or drive-thru services, click here to add your business to one or more restaurant guides.
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Hospitality Industry Resources
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau has compiled these resources to assist the hospitality industry affected by COVID-19.
Attractions, tours, restaurants and any tourism business providing virtual tours, learning experiences, cooking demonstrations, entertainment, musical performances, etc. through videos or social media live streams, may fill out this form to be included in the Virtual Vacation Experiences page.
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Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
Businesses can request a virtual meeting with the Alliance regarding business preservation assistance, including low- or no-interest loan opportunities and short time compensation for employers. Additionally, the Alliance has compiled business resources here.
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Information on Federal Economic Relief
Additional Online Resources
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Learn How To Promote Your Business With Google Ads
The "Google Ads" platform can be very effective at recruiting new customers for your business, but you have to know the best techniques for using it. Nancy Leve, digital marketing expert, walks you through the Google Ads content creation, bidding, and scheduling process. Click here to watch the recording of this SCORE Broward webinar.
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Completing the Census Survey = More Resources for Businesses & Communities
Take the Census Today... 10 minutes is all it takes!
Have you completed the Census questionnaire? It’s important that you do so. Your response ensures Hollywood receives federal support for a wide range of important services including public safety, education, healthcare and workers benefits. There’s Strength in Numbers… Make Hollywood Strong! Fill out your Census questionnaire today: www.my2020census.gov
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Links to these established programs can be found on the City’s Economic Development website. Please continue to monitor www.hollywoodfl.org and www.choosehollywoodfl.com for the latest updates.
Economic Development Division
Raelin Storey, CMED Director
Herb Conde-Parlato, Economic Development Manager
Tekisha Jordan, Principal Planner
Marina Melo, Economic Development Marketing Coordinator
Community Redevelopment Agency - Beach & Downtown Districts
Jorge Camejo, Executive Director
954.924.2980