Pinellas County is developing a $22.1 million recovery program for storm-damaged small businesses, but owners cannot yet submit applications through the county's business assistance page.

The county's recovery action plan budgets $22,147,393 for the Small Business Community Recovery Program. A draft update is open for public comment through Nov. 22.

County officials discussed grants of $35,000 to $500,000 at an Oct. 22 work session, the St. Pete Catalyst reported. Officials expect a launch before the end of 2026, but have not announced an application date. The county's small-business page says programs are still being developed.

Who could qualify

The draft Action Plan 3.0 covers qualifying businesses affected by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene and Milton. Eligible locations are in Pinellas County outside St. Petersburg, which received separate federal recovery funding.

Under the draft, businesses must have operated when the disaster struck, document a direct physical or financial loss and show a remaining need not covered by insurance or other assistance. They must be operating now or demonstrate they can reopen or expand with assistance.

The draft describes grants and forgivable loans, with a maximum award of $500,000. It lists possible uses including payroll, rent, utilities, inventory, equipment and repairs to damaged commercial property. Final program guidelines will determine eligibility and restrictions.

Businesses that have closed could potentially qualify if they show a sustainable reopening plan, BDO Government Services program director Ryan Flanery told commissioners, according to the Catalyst. That is not a guarantee of an award.

Applications still ahead

The Catalyst reported that applications would open in stages, starting with sectors such as food service, hospitality, tourism, transportation and child care. The county's current business page does not yet publish those application phases or a starting date.

The county identifies about $525 million in unmet economic recovery needs. The proposed business allocation is roughly 4% of that amount.

Business owners can review the draft and submit comments through Pinellas Recovers. They should watch the business assistance page for application instructions before treating proposed terms as final.