ORLANDO, Fla. – City leaders are voting to approve a program aimed at luring restaurants and retailers into downtown Orlando.
The financial incentive package calls for up to $475,000 for qualified high-quality dining restaurants to help with build-out costs and rental assistance.
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Qualified retail businesses are eligible for up to $200,000 in assistance.
Commissioner Regina Hill, who represents downtown and Parramore, said she supports the proposal from the Community Redevelopment Agency.
“For me, it’s also an economic engine to bring more people downtown,” Hill said. “It’s not just for those that might be on the high scale of services, but even small businesses can now come downtown and afford to be down here.”
Hill said the incentives will help add diversity to the business landscape of downtown and bring in much-needed dining options.
“With this, we can see small businesses and larger businesses popping up and this being a true, thriving downtown for all,” Hill said.
The program also comes after safety concerns prompted a moratorium on new nightclubs through March and restrictions have been placed on existing bars and clubs.
As city leaders continue to review the situation in downtown, Hill said the financial incentive package will bring new opportunities for residents and visitors to the city.
“For me, that’s the most important component to bring some more blue-collar jobs, not just corporate jobs,” Hill said. “It’s the Orlando and downtown we’ve been envisioning when we talk about diversity and inclusion.”
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