Retail Stimulus Program

Step 1.Check your eligibility 

To qualify for the program, you must:

• Be a retail or consumer service business.
  Keep in mind: Bars, nightclubs, tattoo parlors, office use, and professional services (i.e. financial services, legal services, insurance, real estate, check cashing) are not eligible.
• Be a new business or an existing business relocating within the Area to another location within the Area by increasing its space (sq. ft.) by 125% or more based on its current square footage.
• Be in a property free of all City of Orlando imposed liens (excluding special assessments) and property taxes must be current at the time of application. 
• Not be in a city owned property.
• Have not received funding from the Downtown Commercial and Residential Building Improvement Program (DCRBIP), or the Minority/Women Entrepreneur Business Assistance Program (MEBA)

Step 2.Gather your materials

Please have digital copies of the following documents:

• Executed Lease Agreement or Letter of Intent showing an initial lease term of at least three (3) years
• A copy of the Business Plan.
  Your plan MUST include at a minimum: Description of Operation, Major Brands or Services, Operating Budget, Growth Plan
• City of Orlando Business Tax Receipt (if applicable)
• Copy of the Owner’s Affidavit
• Resumes for Principals and Management
• Business or personal tax returns for the last two fiscal years
• Designs, renderings, or drawings showing eligible improvements
• Three (3) contractor bids

Step 3.Submit your application

We will review your application to ensure compliance to program eligibility requirements. The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will approve grants at its discretion based upon the applicant’s lease term, capital investment amount, experience, business plan, store design, and financial capacity.

Submit Your Application 

Step 4.We will contact you

We will email you and ask any additional questions if necessary.

If your application is ready to move forward, you will be notified by the program manager. Upon the CRA’s approval, you will be entered into a Grant Agreement with the CRA. Prior to receipt of funding, you will be required to provide written confirmation of an executed lease with a minimum initial lease term of three (3) years. You will also be required to maintain a valid City of Orlando Business Tax Receipt.