Microfund aimed at helping businesses in South St. Pete launching May 9

Business owners within the South St. Pete Community Redevelopment Area district are getting some help. The city announced a new microfund program Tuesday. Mayor Ken Welch, council members, and others in the community presented the new $1.35 million Microfund Program in front of The Greenhouse. "This is what inclusive progress looks like. One of the primary reasons that the CRA was created was to uplift a community historically and disproportionately impacted by poverty and lack of resources and access to capital," said Mayor Ken Welch. Through this microfund, eligible businesses can apply for up $10,000. But first, they have to complete a program within The Greenhouse. That's a group of business experts from the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce tapped to come together to help business owners with education as well as provide the necessary resources and help to thrive. "It is not a one size fits all approach. Because all businesses are different, the business development plans will focus on finance, business planning, marketing, sales, and business management," he said.