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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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
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Free Business Assistance Programs For City Residents And Business Owners
The City of Hollywood’s Office of Communications, Marketing + Economic Development partners with Broward SCORE to provide educational and advisory services to City residents and small business owners.
This partnership is a part of the City’s “Backing Business” initiative, as these supportive programs aim to help the City’s economy grow. 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.
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| 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
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Plan Your Next Technology Project Like a Pro Technology projects are good examples of high risk and high rewards. They tend to be expensive, time consuming and disruptive, but done well, they can be the fuel businesses need to reach the next level. During this workshop, you will receive a hands-on crash course on technology projects including: - Introduction to main technologies used for business growth
- Examples of technology projects that have enabled huge leaps for their business owners
- Steps professional project managers go through to ensure they lay the foundations for successful technology projects
- Interactive opportunities to build your own strategic plans
This workshop is perfect for any small business owner contemplating making large investments of time or energy in implementing new technologies for their business. Monday, September 19 • 6:00PM • Webinar • Free • Register DIVA S In The Trucking Industry This webinar will help participants: - Understand the "industry"
- Identify profitability
- Determine how to get a "slice of the pie"
- Develop & manage successful businesses
Tuesday, September 20 • 9:30AM • Webinar • Free • Register Finding Hidden Cash in Your Business There are many pockets of cash that are constantly overlooked and hidden. This presentation will identify the Hidden Cash that companies should find to enable them to run and grow their business. The hidden cash is on your financial statements and tax returns. Learn how to Identify them and get the CASH NOW! Tuesday, September 20 • 11:00AM • Webinar • Free • Register Online Business and E-Commerce Webinar Being able to sell your product or service online has never been more important. During the pandemic, many established businesses had to re-invent themselves and find ways to deliver their services online. Join this webinar and explore topics on how to begin an online business or add online services to your existing businesses. Tuesday, September 20 • 6:00PM • Webinar • Free • Register SEO Strategies to Improve Your Google Rankings Search engine optimization (SEO) is a major component of online marketing. This seminar will teach you how to develop an effective SEO strategy for your business. Attendees will learn: basic SEO terminology, how a website is indexed, how to conduct keyword research, on-page optimization strategies, developing quality content and more. Thursday, September 22 • 10:00AM • Webinar • Free • Register Insurance for Small Business Learn to identify the types of insurance required of a small business, identify other types of insurance a small business should consider, and explain why insurance is important for a small business. Thursday, September 22 • 6:00PM • Webinar • Free • Register |
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We Want to Hear From You!
The City of Hollywood’s Office of Communications, Marketing, and Economic
Development and the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce have
launched a joint Business Survey and Visitation Program. Nationally, over 70% of
employment growth in a community comes from the retention and expansion
of existing businesses. The City and Chamber recognize that Hollywood’s
existing businesses make investments in facilities, create jobs, and provide a
support network that is at the heart of a strong local economy.
The Business Survey and Visitation Programs aims to:
• Enhance lines of communication with the Hollywood business community
and learn more about current and future operational plans
• Act as an avenue to connect local companies with resources to support
growth, expansion, sustainability, and networking opportunities
• Identify and analyze trends, challenges, and opportunities facing our
existing businesses and mobilize appropriate resources, programs, and
services when appropriate
Learn more and take the survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PXWCC2J |
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The U.S. Small Business Administration celebrates the impact Hispanic entrepreneurs have had on the U.S. economy and commemorates some of the many ways Hispanics have influenced and contributed to American society.
Economic impact
According to the Joint Economic Committee Hispanic Entrepreneurship and Business Brief:
- Nearly one in four new businesses is Hispanic-owned.
- The nearly 5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States contribute more than $800 billion to the American economy annually.
- There are more than 300,000 Hispanic-owned, employer businesses located across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These enterprises employ at least one employee other than the owner.
- Hispanic employer businesses employ about 1 million workers, with more than $100 billion in annual payroll. The number of Hispanic-owned businesses that employ at least one employee other than the owner increased by 14% between 2012 and 2017 — more than twice as fast as the national average.
- In the decade preceding the pandemic, the number of Hispanic business owners increased 34% compared to an increase of just 1% among non-Hispanic business owners.
- Federal contracting programs
- The 8(a) Business Development program offers a broad scope of assistance to firms that are owned and controlled at least 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Learn more & review resources
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Applications due September 30
The SBEP is designed for CEOs, entrepreneurs, business owners, and presidents of small businesses, while the NPEP is for executive directors, presidents, and CEOs of nonprofit organizations. Graduates emerge as stronger leaders, who are ready to capitalize on business opportunities, implement best practice management, and turn challenges into a strategic advantage.
Apply Now: https://jimmoraninstitute.fsu.edu/programs
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New Program Provides Late Shift Employees Direct Rides to and From Work
Broward County Transit (BCT) recognizes the need for a transportation solution that can provide residents access to/from employment opportunities outside the regular fixed-route service span. Late Shift Connect provides on-demand and direct transportation for late shift workers when regular transit services are generally not available.
Participants can request rides to/from their places of employment and home if their work shift begins or ends between 11PM and 6AM, 5 days per week. Anyone who works the late shift in Broward County is eligible. Your contact information and employer address and contact information are required.
For more information or to enroll, visit lateshiftconnect.org.
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Upcoming: The Inaugural South Florida Space Day
Connect and network with entrepreneurs, students, funders, and many more! Hear from keynote speakers, panelist, participate in seminars, enjoy a business EXpo, and network while supporting the economy of space entrepreneurship.
FREE: Register
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2022 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND CULTURAL EXPO (FITCE)
Join Broward County's Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) and partners at the Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) October 19th & 20th at the Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center. General Admission is FREE - Learn more and register
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Nominate Today!
The National Small Business Week Awards are back! SBA is accepting nominations for its 2023 National Small Business Week Awards, including the Small Business Person of the Year. Could you be our next winner? Submit your nomination today.
Learn more
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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
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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.
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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.
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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 : Explore a list of SBA funding programs.
- SBA Loans: Explore a list of recovery funds from SBA and various organizations.
- Broward Municipal Services District Revolving Loan Fund (BMSD RLF): This new small business lending program provides flexible, low-cost capital for existing businesses as well as new start-up businesses in the BMSD. The Urban League of Broward County is partnering with the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development, and the National Development Council (NDC) to assist existing BMSD businesses and property owners, as well as entrepreneurs that are interested in starting new businesses or relocating to the BMSD.
- South Florida Regional Planning Council (SFRPC CARES ACT Business Revolving Loan Fund): This fund continues to be utilized to help alleviate sudden and severe economic dislocation caused by the coronavirus in Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF):BBIF is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), private non-profit loan fund that specializes in providing loans and financial technical assistance services to Black, minority & underserved small businesses throughout Florida.
The Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program: This grant program supports and helps small businesses recover from a natural disaster. Businesses can apply here.
- The Fearless Strivers Grant Contest, in partnership with Mastercard Inc., will be awarding 11 Black women-owned small business with grants, as well as one-on-one mentorship. The program will also be rolling out city-specific grant programs across the country. Click here to apply.
- The WellnessLiving #StandwithStudios Grant Program provides grants, marketing support and software to boutique wellness and fitness studios. In addition to funding, the grant includes a photo shoot and feature article in Fitness Business insider Magazine. Click here to apply.
- The Entrepreneurial Spirit Fund by SIA Scotch, in partnership with business platform Hello Alice, which will give out 11 grants to small businesses in the food and beverage industry (that are not alcoholic beverage retail license holders) that are majority owned by a person of color. Click here to apply.
- The Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund, sponsored by food delivery service DoorDash, in partnership with business platform Hello Alice, will be providing grants to restaurants with a physical location that are experiencing hardships due to a state or federally-declared natural disaster. Click here to apply.
- America's Seed Fund is a decades-long grant program powered by the National Science Foundation. The National Science Foundation grant program, open to early-stage companies that need to prove their technology and find their market potential, has made about 3,400 awards to startups and small businesses since 2012, with 153 exits by those companies and $9.1 billion in private investment. Click here to learn more.
Comcast RISE Investment Fund: A program designed to provide grants, marketing, creative, media, and technology services to small businesses owned by minorities.
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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
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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
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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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Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
Upcoming GHCC Programs & Content: Webinars and online classes, provided by GHCC members and experts, can be viewed here.
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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.
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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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Additional Online Resources
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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
Marina Melo, Economic Development Representative
Janelle Richards, Economic Development Marketing Coordinator
Community Redevelopment Agency - Beach & Downtown Districts
Jorge Camejo, Executive Director
954.924.2980