The Opportunity Zone Program aims to foster economic development and job creation in economically distressed communities. It was created by the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to encourage businesses, developers and financial institutions to invest long-term capital in low-income census tract areas. These areas were designated as Qualified Opportunity Zones by the U.S. Department of Treasury in June 2018. The Treasury has approved 427 Qualified Opportunity Zones in Florida, including one within the City of Apopka and several in the Apopka area.
The Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. These preferences go to small businesses that obtain HUBZone certification in part by employing staff who live in a HUBZone. The company must also maintain a “principal office” in one of these specially designated areas, including one location within the City of Apopka.
To learn more about the characteristics and eligibilities for small businesses to be a part of HUBZone, please click below.
Now Taking Applications!
The CRA Assistance Programs are available to property owners only in the CRA Area as shown in the map. Applications are available on the City of Apopka’s Community Development Department, 2nd floor, City Hall.
Any questions, please contact the City of Apopka.
James Hitt, FRA-RA
Community Development Dir.
City of Apopka
120 E. Main Street, 2nd floor
Apopka, Florida 32703
407-703-1712
[email protected]
Provides up to $5,000 per business storefront/building. Can include exterior renovation such as painting, windows, doors, signs, awnings, canopies, mansard repair, doors, windows, ADA access improvements, etc. 25% match.
Pays Impact Fees for new, expanding or change of use for businesses up to 50% and a maximum of $5,000. Includes, water, sewer, Police and Fire fees.
Provides up to $5,000 per business storefront/building for Florida Building Code updates or repairs. Includes fire alarm systems, fire walls, heating & air conditioning, electrical, etc. Building inspection required and 25% match.
Permit Fees refunded for up to 50% with a maximum $5,000 refund upon Certificate of Occupancy for new construction of targeted businesses in the CRA (see criteria form).
Provides payment of applicable Impact Fees for new, owner occupied single-family home, townhome or condo residential construction. Covers the basic impact fees for: Transportation, Orange County School, Recreation, Fire, Police, Potable Water and Sewer. Tier payments up to $20,451 +/-.
Works in conjunction with owners and volunteer groups to support exterior renovation of existing single-family homes (owner occupied). Covers supplies such as: paint, paint brushes, rollers/handle, caulk, tarpons, painters tape, house lights, rain gutters, house numbers, energy efficient replacement windows, and doors, etc. Up to $1,000. No match.
