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Orlando Lawmakers Enhance Support for Small Businesses Amid Construction

Orlando Small Business and Construction Support

News Summary

Local lawmakers in Orlando are proposing House Bill 215 and Senate Bill 324 to assist small businesses affected by ongoing road construction. The proposed Construction Disruption Assistance Program aims to provide up to $25,000 in grants and low-interest loans to help businesses cope with financial losses. As construction projects, notably along Summerlin Avenue, disrupt local commerce, lawmakers emphasize the need to support small businesses struggling to maintain operations during this challenging period. Community engagement and better communication about the assistance programs are also critical as discussions ramp up ahead of the legislative session.

Orlando Lawmakers Step Up to Support Small Businesses during Road Construction Chaos

Orlando is buzzing with the recent announcement from local lawmakers who are eager to lend a helping hand to small business owners navigating the troublesome waters of ongoing road construction projects. With House Bill 215 and Senate Bill 324 on the table, Florida Democrats Rep. Anna Eskamani and Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith are aiming to provide a financial lifeline for businesses grappling with disruptions caused by major construction efforts.

The Construction Conundrum

One of the big projects causing concern is the major road overhaul along Summerlin Avenue. This extensive construction is a joint effort between the city of Orlando and the Orlando Utilities Commission to replace dated utilities while improving the sewer and stormwater systems. Spanning a whopping three years, this project has many small business owners on edge as work progresses.

Take for instance Angel Ortiz, the owner of Clean & Classy Barbershop. He hopes the construction won’t take a toll on his business, yet he cannot ignore the parking issues that are already turning some clients away. In fact, some loyal customers are even considering relocating due to the hassles brought on by the ongoing roadwork.

Financial Assistance on the Horizon

The proposed Construction Disruption Assistance Program could be a game-changer. This initiative has the potential to offer grants of up to $25,000 for each phase of construction to businesses that can prove they’ve experienced financial losses due to roadwork disruptions. But wait, there’s more! If businesses need extra help, low-interest loans of up to $100,000 for operational costs will be available too.

To get onboard with this program, business owners will need to gather documentation showing their financial struggles, along with a detailed plan for how they would use the funds. The great news? This assistance program could be funded through the existing Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, taking some of the financial burden off the state budget.

Small Business Support is Paramount

Lawmakers have highlighted the dire situation faced by small businesses, particularly in districts hit hard by construction like Ivanhoe Village and the Milk District. Many local shops have suffered significant revenue declines, and some have even had to close their doors for good due to these construction-related struggles. This proposed legislation aims to create a safety net, keeping these crucial small businesses afloat amid necessary improvements to infrastructure.

A Timely Initiative

If all goes according to plan, the proposed bills would kick into effect on July 1, 2025. However, there are some uncertainties surrounding how many businesses will qualify for assistance, as well as how the funding will be allocated by the Department of Commerce. With the legislative session slated to begin in March, discussions are ramping up in committee meetings.

Community Calls for Better Communication

As many community members affected by the construction remain anxiously in the dark, there have been calls for improved communication regarding the available assistance programs. This is a crucial aspect that lawmakers are taking into account, as it is essential for business owners to be fully aware of their options during these challenging times.

A Brightening Future

Rep. Eskamani has expressed an urgent need for government officials to take responsibility to protect small businesses from being inadvertently damaged by necessary infrastructure projects. The future for small business owners in Orlando may be looking brighter, with potential lifelines on the horizon as they navigate through the bumpy construction landscape.

As Orlando embraces these changes, small business owners and community members alike are hopeful that these proposals will not only provide much-needed financial support but also foster resilience as the city transforms for the better.