Tampa WeatherWise Small Business Grant Program

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Tampa WeatherWise Small Business Grant Program

Overview

To help Sulphur Springs and West Tampa businesses build resilience against extreme weather and climate-related disruptions—such as flooding, extreme heat, and power outages—this program provides support for acquiring resilience equipment, making enhancements, and undertaking major upgrades.
The program is reimbursement-based, meaning businesses must make purchases upfront and will be reimbursed by the City afterward. To be eligible for reimbursement, you must submit the project application (below) to the City of Tampa’s Economic Opportunity department and receive approval before making any purchases. Only pre-approved items will be eligible for reimbursement. You must also complete a business continuity plan (see details below).
Please note: Funding is limited, and applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Early submission is strongly encouraged, and all applicants are encouraged to clearly prioritize (through ranking) what is most essential to them. Once applications are approved, funds are to be distributed based on the priority stated in the applicant's submission. Funding requests may be partially or fully approved based on the number of applicants, the availability of the requested item, and the location of the business. If additional funds become available, awardees can be revisited for additional assistance, but only after funding is prioritized to new applicants.

SECTION 1: Business Information

1. Your name
3. Applicant Information

SECTION 2: Grant Request Details

Please check the items you are requesting and list estimated costs.
Maximum Amount Covered: $1,000.00

Minimum Business Contribution: $0.00, 100% covered up to $1,000.00
Prioritization Ranking (1 - 8) 1= highest priority 8= lowest priority NA = not applicable; not requested Total Number of Units Requested Estimated Total Cost (per unit cost x number of units) Requested Grant Amount (cannot exceed ‘maximum amount covered’)
Item: Deployable Flood Gates / Barriers
Maximum Amount Covered: $500.00

Minimum Business Contribution: $0.00, 100% covered up to $500.00
Prioritization Ranking (1 - 8) 1= highest priority 8= lowest priority NA = not applicable; not requested Total Number of Units Requested Estimated Total Cost (per unit cost x number of units) Requested Grant Amount (cannot exceed ‘maximum amount covered’)
Flood-Proof Storage
Maximum Amount Covered: $4,500.00

Minimum Business Contribution: $0.00, 100% covered up to $4,500.00
Prioritization Ranking (1 - 8) 1= highest priority 8= lowest priority NA = not applicable; not requested Total Number of Units Requested Estimated Total Cost (per unit cost x number of units) Requested Grant Amount (cannot exceed ‘maximum amount covered’)
Storm Panels / Shutters
Maximum Amount Covered: $2,000.00

Minimum Business Contribution: $0.00, 100% covered up to $2,000.00
Prioritization Ranking (1 - 8) 1= highest priority 8= lowest priority NA = not applicable; not requested Total Number of Units Requested Estimated Total Cost (per unit cost x number of units) Requested Grant Amount (cannot exceed ‘maximum amount covered’)
Portable Solar-Compatible Back Up Battery
Maximum Amount Covered: $5,000.00

Minimum Business Contribution: $0.00, 100% covered up to $5,000.00
Prioritization Ranking (1 - 8) 1= highest priority 8= lowest priority NA = not applicable; not requested Total Number of Units Requested Estimated Total Cost (per unit cost x number of units) Requested Grant Amount (cannot exceed ‘maximum amount covered’)
Solar Control Film
Maximum Amount Covered: $500.00

Minimum Business Contribution: $0.00, 100% covered up to $500.00
Prioritization Ranking (1 - 8) 1= highest priority 8= lowest priority NA = not applicable; not requested Total Number of Units Requested Estimated Total Cost (per unit cost x number of units) Requested Grant Amount (cannot exceed ‘maximum amount covered’)
Indoor / Outdoor Fans (standing /wall-mounted)
Maximum Amount Covered: $1,000.00

Minimum Business Contribution: $0.00, 100% covered up to $1.000.00
Prioritization Ranking (1 - 8) 1= highest priority 8= lowest priority NA = not applicable; not requested Total Number of Units Requested Estimated Total Cost (per unit cost x number of units) Requested Grant Amount (cannot exceed ‘maximum amount covered’)
Trees
Maximum Amount Covered: $7,000.00

Minimum Business Contribution: $0.00, 50% covered up to $7,000.00
Prioritization Ranking (1 - 8) 1= highest priority 8= lowest priority NA = not applicable; not requested Total Number of Units Requested Estimated Total Cost (per unit cost x number of units) Requested Grant Amount (cannot exceed ‘maximum amount covered’)
Cool (Sealed) Roof

SECTION 3: Continuity Planning 

Have you completed a business continuity or emergency preparedness plan?

(You will be required to complete one using FEMA guidelines before reimbursement)

SECTION 4: Requirements to Access the Grant

To ensure equitable and effective use of funds, businesses must complete the following steps:

Eligibility Requirements:

1.    Location - Business must be located in one of the following areas: 

        a.    Sulphur Springs businesses located on Nebraska Ave. between Grant Ave/E. River Cove St. and E. Busch Blvd. and businesses located on Florida Ave between N. River Shore Dr. and E. Busch Blvd.

        b.    West Tampa businesses located within these boundaries: North - Columbus Drive, South - Green Street, East - Rome Avenue, and West - North Armenia Avenue.

2.    Employee Size: Eligible Businesses shall have 20 full-time employees or less.

3.    Good Standing: Must be in good standing with city licenses and not subject to outstanding code violations.

4.    Business Continuity Plan: Must complete a plan (see Section 3) prior to reimbursement.

5.    Matching Funds: For partial-reimbursement items, businesses must provide matching funds (typically 50%).

6.    Documentation: Must submit receipts, photos, and installation confirmation for reimbursement.
 

8.    Reporting: Participants are required to attend a brief follow-up meeting with the Small Business Navigator six months and one year after the enhancements have been installed.

SECTION 5: Business Commitment

● Some items may require a 50% match.

● Pre-approval is required for all purchases.

● Reimbursement is not guaranteed without full documentation and prior authorization. I must submit proof of purchase and photos of installed equipment where applicable.

● Once purchase has been approved and validated, reimbursement can take up to 4 weeks.

● If I do not already have an emergency business continuity plan, I will be required to complete one before reimbursement.

● I must submit proof of purchase and photos of installed equipment where applicable.

If the grant is awarded, the Owner waives, holds harmless and indemnifies the City from and against any claims, losses, suits, injuries to persons or property, or any other matter whatsoever arising out of work performed on their property or services provided to them as a result of a grant from the Economic Opportunity department. Further, the Applicant agrees to comply with applicable grant guidelines and requirements, which are incorporated herein for reference. Finally, the Applicant agrees that the City Staff shall have the right to reasonable access to the subject property and/or project if the grant is awarded, for the purpose of inspecting compliance with all applicable grant requirements.

Property Owner Authorization (Required if Applicant is not the Owner)
If you are not the property owner, you must have the property owner or authorized property manager sign this section to approve installation of any permanent or structural improvements (e.g. storm shutters, cool roofs).

The property owner will receive an email with a link to the completed form, and a section for their signature approval.