City of Fort Myers stepping up to help small businesses affected by COVID-19

For many, the stimulus checks just aren’t enough to keep up with bills, and with federal and state business loans drying up, the City of Fort Myers is stepping in to help.

The streets of downtown have been void of cars for the past month now and many businesses need help.

That’s why the city is moving around money to give it to those who need it most.

“Well, in the middle of last month, it was very busy, then COVID-19 made it very slow. We’re making ends meet, we’re staying afloat so we’re just trying to go day by day… our loyal customers have been awesome. They keep coming in and helping us so that’s great,” said Mike Peterson, owner of the Java House in downtown Fort Myers.

Peterson is one of many people who could be receiving some assistance from this.

Business owners with five employees or less will get foreclosure counseling and emergency business loans up to $10,000.

On top of that, the city is also giving money to assist low- to moderate-income households.

That would provide temporary rental and utility money up to $750 a month for 3 months.

Councilman Kevin Anderson said this is a very challenging time and we need to take steps to help those most affected by this to recover.