DTO Open for Business Marketing Incentive Program

Step 1.Check your eligibility

Only the following types of businesses can apply:

• Restaurants
• Bars
• Retail businesses
• Personal service businesses
• Nightclubs

These businesses cannot apply:

• Office spaces
• Online-only businesses
• Home-based businesses

You must also have a valid Business Tax Receipt (BTR) and be up to date on your city licenses and fees.

Step 2.Check your business location

Your business must be in a DTO Action Plan roadway project area. These areas include:

• Church Street: Garland Avenue to Magnolia Avenue
• Downtown Gap Trail: Along Washington Street from Garland Avenue to Magnolia Avenue
• Livingston Corner Park: Livingston Street from Magnolia Avenue to Rosalind Avenue and Magnolia Avenue from Palmetto Avenue to Livingston Street
• Magnolia Avenue & Livingston Street: Intersection area
• North Quarter District: Orange Avenue and Magnolia Avenue from Colonial Drive to the railroad crossing along Weber Street
• Orange Avenue & Rosalind Avenue: South Street to Colonial Drive

Step 3.Check your expenses

Only marketing costs are eligible for reimbursement. Example costs are:

• Marketing and advertising campaigns
• Marketing consulting fees
• Temporary signs to help customers find you
• Outdoor signs that help people navigate

Other marketing expenses may be allowed. Email economicdevelopment@orlando.gov to ask for approval before you spend money.

You cannot ask for reimbursement for these expenses:

• Payroll
• Rent or mortgage payments
• Inventory or equipment 
• Capital improvements
• Alcohol or entertainment
• Anything bought before or after the construction period
• Purchases without receipts or invoices

Step 4.Apply for approval

You will need an estimate of your costs and a breakdown of what you plan to buy. You can get up to $1,000 one time.

Apply for the Open for Business Marketing Incentive Program

Step 5.We will contact you

The program team will contact you if we approve or deny your request. We will give out funds on a first-come, first-served basis.

Step 6.Make your purchases

If approved, you will pay the marketing costs, and we will reimburse you. Keep your receipts and invoices. Invoices must show that you have already paid for the good or service.

Step 7.Submit your documentation

Send your invoices and receipts to our team, along with a W-9 form. Depending on your business or expense, we may ask for more information before we give you your funds.