How Small Businesses In Pasco County Can Apply For PPE Reimbursement

CW44 News at 10

PASCO (CW44 News at 10) – Pasco County has set aside $1,000,000 from the CARES Act to reimburse small business owners for purchasing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Pasco County intends to provide reimbursement for a minimum of 1,000 businesses, implemented on a first-come, first-served basis through an online application, for reimbursements up to $1,000.

Business Eligibility:

Business eligibility is based on the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program for COVID-19 requirements.

Businesses must be:

• A for-profit, privately-held, small businesses that maintains a place of business in Pasco County and was established prior to March 1, 2020.
• A small business with 2 to 50 employees.
• A small business with a majority of employees residing in Pasco County.

Ineligible Businesses:

• A business deriving more than one-third of gross annual revenue from legal gambling activities.
• A business engaged in any illegal activity.
• A business that presents live performances of an indecent sexual nature or derives directly or indirectly more than 2.5% of gross revenues through the sales of products and services, or the presentation of any depictions or displays, of an indecent sexual nature.
• A business that has a primary purpose of facilitating polyamorous relationships.
• Massage parlors.
• Hot tub facilities.
• Escort services.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Covered:

PPE covered is based on the recommendations in the OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 and the CDC. Purchases must have been made on or after March 1, 2020. Tax will not be reimbursed.

Eligible PPE for reimbursement:

• Face Masks / Respirators
• Gloves
• Face Shields
• Eye Protection
• Gowns
• Hand Sanitizer with an alcohol content 60% or higher
• Disinfecting products identified on the US Environmental Protection Agency’s website of disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2

Required Documentation:

• Proof of business address in Pasco County verified by the State of Florida Division of Corporations: Sunbiz.org
• List of employees and their addresses.
• Completed IRS W-9 Form
• Receipt or invoice with proof of payment (bank or credit card statement**) for PPE containing the following information:
  • Date of purchase
  • Seller Information (Company Name, Company Address, Company Phone Number)
  • Description of item purchased clearly identifying the items as an approved PPE for reimbursement.
  • Paid amount

**Please block out or omit account numbers if sending credit card or bank statements.

General Process:

• Pasco County IT created an application form, which will be posted and processed through the Pasco County website via a portal.
• Pasco County Emergency Management (EM) will receive the applications through the portal, verify the applicant’s eligibility, review supporting documentation, and then will contact the applicant.
• EM will contact the applicant within 14 business days of receiving the application and discuss approval of the application or issues noted.
  • EM will make two attempts (1 business day apart) via phone call and e-mail to contact the applicant.
  • Applicants will be required to submit any requested documentation within 2 business days from initial contact or time of the second attempt of correspondence to receive assistance, or they will need to reapply.
    • If applicant does not submit requested documents by this time, they will be deemed ineligible until they reapply proving otherwise.
• Once all documentation is provided, EM will verify the documentation for program eligibility. Once complete eligibility is established, EM will work with Pasco County Fiscal Services to issue a check up to $1,000 to the applicant for reimbursement of approved PPE purchase.