The Lake County Board of County Commissioners has approved increasing grant award amounts for all qualified for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations impacted by COVID-19.

The $16 million grants program – known as the Lake CARES Business Assistance Grant Program – will continue accepting applications until Sept. 22 at 5 p.m. Applications received before the deadline will be considered for the new award levels, as well as any additional awards that could be retroactively made if the initial funding is not immediately expended. The federal funding is being made available to Lake County through the State of Florida. 

Awards to qualified businesses and organizations will range from $4,000 to $20,000 as follows:

  • Self-employed/sole proprietor: $4,000
  • Businesses with 2-9 employees: $10,000
  • Businesses with 10-50 employees: $15,000
  • Businesses with more than 50 employees: $20,000
  • Non-profits and Chambers of Commerce (no employee requirement): $10,000The new award amounts will be retroactive to all applicants previously approved and included in the first two rounds of payments, as well as all new applicants.For additional information on how to apply for the Lake CARES Business Assistance Grant Program, visit http://www.reopenlake.com#cares.