With all of the music festivals, Paul Rudd cameos, and waterfront food festivals, one might wonder if it’s all fun and games on the Gulf Coast. Well, it is, but there are some civic happs we must keep you looped in on:
Tampa’s new microgrant program
Do you have the next Buddy Brew within you? Tampa just launched its new Microgrant Program, “designed to support low and moderate-income entrepreneurs and small businesses at various stages of growth,” according to a release.
How much is on the table? Entrepreneur grants for folks with 1–5 employees (including owner) run from $1,500 to $3,000. There’s also down payment assistance for business financing. See the full process + qualifications.
Hillsborough’s Rebuilding for Together
The county just opened up a call center to help residents apply for $200 million in relief aid. Income-eligible residents can qualify for up to $350,000 to replace or rebuild storm-damaged housing.
Applications open Friday, May 1. If you want to get started on that paperwork now and need a little help, call (813) 540-7767 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Herman Massey Park reopens
Tampa leaders just debuted the downtown park’s new look, which includes:
- A sculpture by Cuban-born artist Alexandre Arrechea that nods to the Tampa Theatre
- A 3,200-sqftt deck, designed to preserve seven towering live oaks
- A beefed up dog park with new turf
