April 1st COVID-19 Update
SBDC Grant Program Funded by Gulf Power Available to Small Businesses
The Small Business Development Center at UWF has launched the Northwest Florida Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program to assist businesses across our communities impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The grant program was made possible by an initial contribution of $250,000 from Gulf Power Company through its economic development fund.
One important distinction to note is that this is a grant program versus a loan, which means that if approved, a small business will not need to pay back this assistance.
Business eligibility requirements include:
- Between 2-10 employees
- An ability to demonstrate at least 25% sales reduction due to the effects of COVID-19
- Must be a for-profit, privately held small business established before January 1st, 2019
Businesses must be located in one of the following eligible counties, Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Jackson, Washington, Calhoun, or Bay.
For assistance in filling out the application, contact the SBDC at UWF at (850) 586-7802 or email ahaider@uwf.edu.
Virtual Baby Shower for Military Moms
The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce Department of Military Affairs and Department of External Affairs are excited to host a Virtual Baby Shower/“Shower in a Box" for our military moms in the Escambia and Santa Rosa County area in partnership with the leaders of NAS Pensacola Spouses Network.
Due to the current events of COVID-19 many of these mothers-to-be are not able to fly back to their home states for their previously scheduled baby showers with family and friends. We also realize it is not ideal to host an actual event and put these mothers at risk; so, to offer an almost complete experience we are partnering with NAS Pensacola Spouses, a Facebook network, to put on a Virtual Baby Shower and a Shower in a Box.
A "Shower in a Box" includes:
- Gifts for mommy and baby
- Essential items for parents-to-be and baby (diapers, wipes, etc)
- Opportunity for a virtual baby shower with family and friends complete with a live video link and electronic invitations so they may open the box with their family
The box will be delivered to each mother for their enjoyment by designated leaders of NAS Pensacola Spouses network.
The registry is now open through June 15th, and there is an option to give monetary gifts as well. We hope you will join us in this small way to show support and encouragement to our military families!
View Registry Here
For more information please contact the Chamber’s Director of External Affairs, Sara Lefevers at 850.356.8735 or slefevers@pensacolachamber.com.