Local resources for job seekers + small business owners

Lakeland, we love you. You’re innovative. Hardworking. Smart. Talented. Reliable. Strong.

And we wish the market was the same right now. As it stands, Florida is headed toward a record first-time number of unemployment claims and we hear the urges + pleas our friends, family, and neighbors have in their job search and the struggles our very beloved small businesses are facing.

While continuing to show our support to small businesses + those in search of a job by sharing updates in our newsletter, we’ve put together a list of resources for those in search of a job + for small business owners who are in need of additional assistance. Please send us an email at hello@laltoday.com if you know of more resources we should share.

For job-seekers

• In order to help those who are out of a job, we have provided a list of essential businesses looking to hire more workers and provide FL with necessary goods to combat COVID-19 demands.
• The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has launched a new mobile-friendly site at www.FloridaJobs.org/RAApplication for unemployment assistance.
• Renters who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus may apply for rental assistance with the Homeless Coalition of Polk County at 863.687.8386. Applicants must be Polk County residents, have proof of a job loss due to COVID-19, have a current lease, a social security card, a birth certificate, and an income 80% or below median level.
• Watch this video from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to learn how to apply for unemployment assistance.
• You can check out more jobs throughout the state here.
• FedEx stores in FL are offering free printing + shipping for unemployment assistance applications for those who don’t have access to a computer or have money.

For small businesses

• Catapult Lakeland has created a curated list of local + national resources for entrepreneurs on its blog. Bonus: Check out Catapult’s new podcast, HEADWAY, where entrepreneurs are sharing insights and practical tools.
• State Of The Spark is sharing resources around working remote, selling online, finding help, and staying healthy on their website.
• The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program has been activated to assist small businesses with short-term, interest-free loans.
• Connect with the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce to learn business tips from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, how to grow your business + more.
• SBDC Florida breaks down what the Paycheck Protection Program is + how employers can utilize it for their staffing needs.
• The Microfinance Guarantee Program provides targeted guarantees to loans made to entrepreneurs + small businesses in FL.

📌 Pin this resource list to your bulletin board + pass it along to a friend in need.

– LALtoday team (Abby + Kaylee)