PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Beginning Thursday, Palm Beach County will offer $250,000 in grants to businesses affected by the Nov. 1 Learjet crash that partially closed Military Trail near Greenacres.
The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners approved the funding on Tuesday, with County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo initially launching the Military Trail Business Interruption Grant Program under local emergency authority on Nov. 2.
Qualified businesses and nonprofits can receive one-time grants of up to $5,000, contingent on available funds. County officials reported that the closure limited customer and delivery access, leading to revenue loss.
The Department of Housing and Economic Development will oversee the distribution of grants, which can be applied toward operating expenses such as rent, payroll, utilities, and essential inventory. Revenue losses will be estimated based on the latest filed business tax return reflecting a 30-day interruption. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the fund is depleted.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants must operate in the designated area along Military Trail from Broadway Street to Kelly Drive and Sussex Avenue and must have been operational before Nov. 1. Additionally, applicants must confirm operational disruptions due to the road closure and express intent to continue business.
Application Process
Applications will be available on the Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Economic Development website starting Thursday, Nov. 12. Required documents include:
- A signed application
- A W-9 form
- The latest filed business tax return
- Proof of business address
- Photo ID of the authorized signer
- Applicable Sunbiz documentation
- A business tax receipt or exemption documentation
Grant amounts are capped at $5,000 per eligible entity.