Palm Beach County commissioners on Nov. 10 approved $250,000 for the Military Trail Business Interruption Grant Program, which offers eligible businesses and nonprofits a one-time grant of up to $5,000 while the money lasts. The money is meant for companies hurt when a private aircraft crashed near Greenacres on Nov. 1, partially shutting down Military Trail and cutting off access for customers and deliveries.
County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo launched the program Nov. 2 under local emergency authority. The Department of Housing and Economic Development will run it. Grants can cover rent, payroll, utilities and essential inventory.
The county will estimate each applicant’s loss from its latest filed business tax return, based on a 30-day interruption. Awards are first-come, first-served until the funds run out or every eligible applicant is paid.
The grant zone runs along Military Trail from Broadway Street on the south to Kelly Drive and Sussex Avenue on the north. Applicants must have operated at a physical location inside that area before Nov. 1 and must certify that the closure disrupted their operations or access, and that they plan to stay open or reopen.
Applications and criteria go live Thursday, Nov. 12, on the Department of Housing and Economic Development website. Businesses will need a signed application, a W-9, their latest filed business tax return, proof of business address, photo ID for the authorized signer, and any applicable Sunbiz and business tax receipt documentation or exemptions.
