St. Pete Resilience + Retention Incentive Package

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Helping small business in a big way

In response to the drastic change in the business environment stemming from the pandemic, the City of St. Petersburg has developed a new non-profit and small business incentive package in support of the sustained success of St. Pete’s health, local economy, and cultural landscape. Through this $2,536,000 funding package, the City’s goal is to provide general economic stimulus and ongoing support to businesses overcoming the longstanding impacts of COVID-19 with an emphasis on business retention and resiliency efforts.

An organization or entity is eligible to apply for only one of the following Resilience and Retention programs. Applicants should consider all programs before applying to determine which program will best suit their needs. The programs will be rolled out in a phased schedule and reviewed on first come, first complete basis. Please see the individual section for key information, important dates, and application requirements.

The Greenhouse has created a dashboard with reporting metrics for Resilience and Retention program grant recipients. This dashboard includes access to the list of approved grant recipients.

R+R Grant Dashboard

Application Assistance

Funding for the Retention and Resilience package includes dedicated assistance for all interested applicants - The Greenhouse’s Small Business Navigators are here to help. As assistance windows differ pending the program, details are included within each section below. 

Program Contact
E-mail: resilience@stpetegreenhouse.com
Phone: (727) 893-7146

Download Applicant Toolkit   How to Apply Recorded Webinar

Business Support Organizations Program

Program Details and Technical Support Launch – 7/21/2021
Application Launch – 8/4/2021, 8 a.m. 
Application close – 10/29/2021, 5 p.m. 


The Business Support Organizations Program provides a one-time grant to non-profit business support organizations that (i) have provided COVID-19 related support, outreach, or other services to small businesses in the city during the pandemic, and/or (ii) have had a decrease of revenue during the pandemic, and/or who (iii) will start or continue to provide technical assistance, information, activities, materials, and other resources to help small, local businesses stay competitive through the end of 2021. Business support organizations are nonprofits that have a primary mission of, and spend a majority of their staff time, budget, and resources to provide assistance, programs, and resources to small local business.

Non-Profit Event Host Organizations Program

Program Details and Technical Support Launch – 7/21/2021
Application Launch – 8/4/2021, 8 a.m. 
Application close – 10/29/2021, 5 p.m. 

The Non-Profit Event Host Organizations Program provides a one-time grant to certain non-profit event host organizations. This program provides support for large-scale, signature arts and cultural events that are recognized as being part of the unique culture of St. Pete and have been downsized, postponed, or canceled due to the pandemic. A signature event is a large-scale event that is locally recognized as a significant St.Pete event. Only the primary non-profit organization responsible for hosting the event is eligible for this grant. Each event is limited to receiving one grant. 

Small Business Retention and Restoration Microfund Program

Program Details and Technical Support Launch – 8/4/2021
Application Launch – 8/18/2021, 8 a.m.
Application close – 10/29/2021, 5 p.m. 

The Small Business Retention and Restoration Microfund Program is part of St. Pete's continued efforts to meet the existing and future COVID-19-related needs of the small and local businesses community. The fund will provide much-needed capital to assist eligible small businesses with a $10,000 grant to reimburse pandemic-related business expenses, retroactively, from March 17, 2020, to June 29, 2021, and/or to cover future expected costs that contribute to the business’ overall retention and restoration efforts. 

Arts and Culture Business and Performance Program 

Program Details and Technical Support Launch - 8/18/2021
Application Launch – 9/1/2021
Application close – 10/29/2021, 5 p.m. 

Arts and Culture Business and Performance Program provides support to St. Pete’s scores of independent galleries, a successful, close-knit community of working artists and craftspeople, and a stellar performing arts community. The intention with this program is to help retain St. Pete’s local arts and culture character by assisting the most impacted and vulnerable event spaces, small businesses and independent artists or performers.