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. 

_____________________________________________________

Is Your Commercial Property Ready For An Update? Would $25,000 Help?

The Commercial Property Improvement Program (CPIP) is an incentive program designed to improve the facades of publicly or privately owned commercial or industrial buildings along specific commercial corridors. This program is based on the premise that exterior improvements to commercial buildings in highly visible locations will stimulate private investment, attract customers, and result in new economic opportunities. Grant funding is available to commercial and industrial property owners that intend to restore, renovate or improve their property. Click here for more information on CPIP.

Interested participants are encouraged to watch a Public Information Session recording to learn how to apply for this reimbursable grant (see below).

CPIP Public Information Sessions

Wednesday, June 9 • 3:00 p.m. • Watch the Recording 

Wednesday, June 16 • 11:00 a.m. • Watch the Recording

_____________________________________________________

Free Business Assistance Programs For City Residents And Business Owners

The City of Hollywood’s Office of Communications, Marketing + Economic Development has recently entered into a partnership with Broward SCORE to provide educational and advisory services to City residents and small business owners through December 2021.  

This partnership is a part of the City’s “Backing Business” initiative, as these supportive programs aim to help the City’s economy grow during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Resources available to the City’s start-up and small business community include:

	Advanced Business Solutions Team: Broward SCORE provides a team of seasoned business specialists to help your existing small businesses identify growth opportunities, solve problems, and plan for the future. Through a series of meetings, the Advanced Business Solutions Team works with your management team to devise a plan for achieving your objectives.
	One-on-One Business Mentoring: Broward SCORE offers personal remote mentoring sessions with local seasoned business professionals who are committed to helping our local business community stronger through these difficult times. Book your phone or video mentoring session online. Sessions are typically one-hour in length. Prepare to discuss any opportunities or problems your business may be facing.
	Business Education Program: Workshops on a diversity of business topics are scheduled throughout the remainder of the year and will be offered virtually utilizing a live webinar format. Many of the webinars will focus on pandemic recovery topics and led by local business professionals with specific knowledge on starting and running businesses in Broward County and the City of Hollywood.

Founded in 1964, Broward SCORE is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) with over 70 volunteer mentors, workshop presenters, and business support personnel.  The chapter offers a diverse program of business support services throughout the year and is provided at no-cost to start-ups, existing businesses, or those who are thinking of starting a business.  More information on these exciting new programs can be found here: https://broward.score.org/city-hollywood-cmed

_____________________________________________________

Missed our Virtual Open House?

Click here to watch the recording and learn about all of the FREE resources available to your Hollywood business.

Password: OpenHouse2021

_____________________________________________________
___________________________________________ 

SPARK HOLLYWOOD - Deadline Extended to 4/19

Applications are currently being accepted for entrepreneurs at any stage of development to pitch their big idea. Business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply at www.sparkhollywoodfl.com.

Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, April 19, 2022.

The ‘quick-pitch competition’ features entrepreneurs and new ventures competing for cash prizes by giving a three-minute presentation of their innovative business proposal to a panel of judges comprised of local investors and business professionals. SPARK Hollywood FL aims to bridge the gap between investors, businesses, and entrepreneurs.

Finalists will be selected to present during the annual SPARK Pitch Competition in person on May 26th at the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center, 1770 Monroe Street.

Apply: https://airtable.com/shrWQ1axdKwUiGguc

Register to attend the pitch competition: www.sparkhollywoodfl.com

For more information, please visit: www.sparkhollywoodfl.com

_____________________________________________________

Broward County’s March 2022 Unemployment Rate of 2.8%, the Lowest Since January 2020

Broward County’s job report indicated a 2.8 percent unemployment rate in March 2022. This rate was 2.8 percentage points lower than the region's year ago rate of 5.6 percent. The labor force was 1,039,832, up 26,573 (+2.6 percent) over the year. Nonagricultural employment in the Ft. Lauderdale-Pompano Bch-Deerfield Bch Metro Division was 864,000, an increase of 33,900 jobs (4.1 percent) over the year. 

“We’re very pleased to see that Broward County’s March unemployment rate has reached the lowest level in the past 26 months,  below pre-pandemic [February 2020] levels and are confident that the strong interest from companies looking at Greater Fort Lauderdale as a location of choice and the local expansions in our target industries will continue supporting the overall year-over-year job growth trends,” said Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance President and CEO Bob Swindell.  “We thank our many partners, investors and leaders at Broward County and our cities, who have been working with us to grow and diversify our economy.”

Data and Analysis

In the month of March, all industries gained jobs compared to the previous year in Broward County.

The information (+9.7 percent) and government (+0.4 percent) industries grew faster in the metro area than statewide over the year. Broward County had the second highest annual job growth compared to all the metro areas in the state in information (+1,900 jobs).

Majority of industries gained jobs over the year except for the Education and Health Services industry (-400 jobs).

Non-Agricultural employment shows a slight overall month to month decrease of 0.5 percent, while some industries like Construction (+2.1%), Other Services (1.2%), Manufacturing (1.0%) and Information (0.5%) show growth.

______________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

SBA and Treasury Announce Simpler PPP Forgiveness for Loans of $50,000 or Less

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, released a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $50,000 or less. This action streamlines the PPP forgiveness process to provide financial and administrative relief to America’s smallest businesses while also ensuring sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

The Treasury and SBA have also eased the burden on PPP lenders, allowing lenders to process forgiveness applications more swiftly. On October 2, the SBA began approving PPP forgiveness applications and remitting forgiveness payments to PPP lenders for PPP borrowers.

Click here to view the simpler loan forgiveness application.

Click here to view the instructions for completing the simpler loan forgiveness application.

Click here to view the Interim Final Rule on the simpler forgiveness process for loans of $50,000 or less.

_____________________________________________________

FPL is now accepting applications for the Main Street Recovery Credit Program, which expands their COVID-19 relief effort by offering bill credits to qualifying small and independent businesses.  

Establishments in FPL’s service area that are eligible to apply for the program include: 

• New small businesses 
• Small businesses that were inactive for at least six consecutive months after March 2020 
• Existing small businesses operating in federally designated Opportunity Zones 

Qualifying small businesses would receive a monthly 10% credit based on the prior month’s energy charge portion of their bill through 2021. Small business customers can click here to fill out an application and seek approval for the new program.

_____________________________________________________

The South Florida Regional Planning Council (SFRPC) has secured funds from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) to capitalize a small business revolving loan fund for businesses adversely impacted by Coronavirus. These funds, provided pursuant to the March 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), will be administered by the SFRPC through its Revolving Loan Fund CARES Act Program.

$5,380,000 is available for businesses. Click here to learn more and apply.

_____________________________________________________

County Loans Available for Small Businesses and Non Profits

The County Commission has approved funding for the Southern Opportunity and Resilience (SOAR) Loan Fund. This funding will provide flexible, affordable capital up to $100,000 and free business support services to small businesses and nonprofits in Broward County to help them navigate and rebuild from the Covid-19 economic crisis. The loans are designed to reach the smallest of small businesses and those that have been historically underbanked, including those in rural areas and those owned by women, people of color, and immigrants. The fund will be administered by NDC on behalf of the County.

NOTE: To be eligible for a SOAR Fund loan, a small business must meet the requirements. The pre-application should be completed and submitted by the owner of the business with the largest ownership interest, and all owners with more than 20% ownership will be required to attest to the information provided. Learn more here: SOAR Fund | Connect2Capital.

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Available Grants and/or Loans and Credit Program

• SOAR Fund | Connect2Capital (County loans for small businesses and non profits)- The fund will be administered by NDC on behalf of the county
• U.S. SBA Funding Programs
• COVID-19 Relief Options
• Broward Municipal Services District Revolving Loan Fund (BMSD RLF)
• South Florida Regional Planning Council (SFRPC CARES ACT Business Revolving Loan Fund)

_____________________________________________________

Safe & Clean Pledge: Show Your Commitment to Safely Welcoming Visitors

As Florida is currently among the top states for COVID-19 cases, and cases nationwide are rising, we need to reinforce and showcase that our entire community has a united front to proactively mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and that we are a safe and welcoming destination for all to enjoy.

Thank you to those of you who have taken the Visit Lauderdale Safe & Clean Pledge! More than 350 businesses have taken the pledge. Together we are instilling confidence among residents and travelers that we are committed to their safety and well-being.

If you haven’t already done so, please consider taking the Visit Lauderdale Safe & Clean Pledge today at sunny.org/pledge. Registration takes very little time, and it is FREE. Taking the pledge aligns with CDC recommended guidelines, and your business will be promoted as part of Visit Lauderdale’s marketing efforts on the program.

 Upon taking the pledge, you are invited to display the destination’s clearly stated Safe & Clean protocols. You will receive:

   • A downloadable Safe & Clean pledge to print and display

   • A physical poster delivered to place of business to display

   • The Safe & Clean logo will be added to your listing on sunny.org

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE PLEDGE NOW

__________________________________________________

COVID-19 Reopening Guide for Small Businesses

COVID-19 has impacted every business differently, and every business will face tremendous challenges as our nation recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. This guide will walk you through the steps your business will need to take to reopen as restrictions are lifted across the country and your business prepares for the "new normal."   

__________________________________________________

Public Dashboard Tracks Local COVID-19 Business Complaints

Residents Can See If Businesses Are Following Emergency Guidelines

Broward County has launched a new tool to help residents ensure they are doing everything they can to contribute to a safer, healthier community and stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Broward County’s Planning and Development Management Division has announced a public-facing dashboard of COVID-19 complaints about businesses not following sanitation, social distancing, facial covering and other reopening requirements contained in local Emergency Orders. The GIS-based website displays details about business complaints received, including:

• Name and location of businesses reported to be in violation
• Number and type of warnings and citations issued
• Complaint Outcomes (i.e. Warning Issued, Citation Issued, Resolved, or Pending Inspection)

The database is searchable by Commission District, and by municipality, making it easy for residents to find out if a business they plan on patronizing is observing all the requirements of the Emergency Orders.

According to the dashboard, the most common type of violation is Failure to Follow Social Distancing. Other types of violations include Not Approved to Reopen, Not Following Sanitation Requirements; Not Following Appointment Guidelines, and Allowing More than 50% Indoor Capacity.

Residents are encouraged to bookmark the dashboard at http://arcg.is/1riWfH and visit it frequently for updates in your area.

Residents are reminded, especially over the holiday weekend, to celebrate responsibly. Follow social distancing and facial covering guidelines whenever and wherever possible, even at family gatherings. If you observe that a business is not following the preventive guidelines, you can report it anonymously online at MyBroward.Broward.org, or call 311.

_____________________________________________________

Hollywood Broadwalk's Expanded Temporary Cafe Zone Has Been Discontinued

Due to the issuance of Governor Ron DeSantis’ Emergency Order 21-102, suspending all COVID-19 restrictions on businesses, which includes indoor capacity limits and social distancing requirements, the City of Hollywood’s designated Temporary Café Zone along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk has been discontinued. 

As an expansion of the Permanent Café Zone, the City's Temporary Café Zone was in effect to assist Hollywood businesses heavily impacted by COVID-19 safety measures by providing the opportunity to expand their dining areas onto the Broadwalk to allow for additional seating while keeping 6 feet between parties.

Effective immediately, only the area in the Permanent Café Zone indicated below may be utilized for outdoor seating by those businesses with Café Table Permits through the City’s Division of Engineering, Transportation and Mobility. If your business does not currently have a City permit for outdoor seating, please click here for information on how to apply.

_____________________________________________________

Vacation Rental Changes Are Now In Effect

The City's new changes to the Vacation Rental License Program Ordinance are now in effect. These changes apply to all City properties which currently have a Vacation Rental License, as well as those property owners who are currently using their property as a vacation rental.

To assist property owners with meeting compliance deadlines, the City hosted multiple virtual question and answer sessions in February and March 2021. Staff was on-hand to answer questions related to the vacation rental license program, licensure, inspections requirements and more. You can watch the meeting videos by clicking the links below.

Tuesday, February 23 • 11:00 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. • Watch the recording

Tuesday, February 23 • 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. • Watch the recording

Monday, March 15 • 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. • Watch the recording

Monday, March 29 • 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. • Watch the recording

For more information on the new rules, click here to visit the Vacation Rental License Program webpage. For additional assistance, please contact the Office of Treasury via email at vrl@hollywoodfl.org.

_____________________________________________________

Upcoming BrowardUP Programming

In addition to Broward College's popular health science courses, BrowardUP is pleased to be offering upcoming remote/online classes in the following areas: 

• AWS Cloud Computing
• Project Management 
• Process Improvement  
• Front Desk Representative 
• Supply Chain Customer Service Operations
• And More!

New courses are continually being added. Visit the BrowardUP website today!

_____________________________________________________

BrowardUP Rapid Credentials Programs

All programs are FREE and take under one year to complete • Eligible students will receive free laptops!

Click here to learn more and apply: BROWARD.EDU/RAPIDS

_____________________________________________________

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.

_____________________________________________________

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.

_____________________________________________________

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. 

_____________________________________________________

Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

Upcoming GHCC Programs & Content: Webinars and online classes, provided by GHCC members and experts, can be viewed here.

_____________________________________________________

Hospitality Industry Resources

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau has compiled 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.

_____________________________________________________

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.

_____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Additional Online Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
• Broward County - Business Assistance
  
• Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FDEO)
  
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
• CareerSource Broward - COVID-19 Business Resources
• How to Start a Small Business - A Veteran's SMB Guide With Tools and Financial Resources 

_____________________________________________________

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 Representative
Janelle Richards, Economic Development Marketing Coordinator

Community Redevelopment Agency - Beach & Downtown Districts
Jorge Camejo, Executive Director
954.924.2980