DAYTONA BEACH, Fla, (December 1, 2022)  “The impact of Hurricane Ian left many of the community’s small businesses with significant needs,” stated Leslie Giscombe, Founder and CEO of the AAEA. “

“While recovery can be a slow road encumbered by paperwork, adjusters, and the specifics entailed in the insurance industry, we collaborated with local banking partners and local donors to bring some initial relief to minority businesses.”

From this collaboration came aaeaBusinessRelief.com, and SouthState Bank of Daytona was the first partner to join the program.  After the applications were processed, the first round of checks have been distributed to local businesses.

Three recipients to receive the AAEA Business Relief Fund Grant were Greeknalia Embroidery and Screenprint, Kale Cafe Juice Bar & Vegan Cuisine, and Saute Kingz by Chef Count LLC., all local staples to the mid-town culture and an area whose economics were heavily impacted by these latest storms.

The AAEA Business Relief Fund will be available year-round and will include a mentoring program, education on insurance, and SBA Bridge loan processes as well as additional resources. Grant distribution and requirements are based on the funding sources and donors which will impact the level and number of financial grants disbursed annually, but all who submit their forms and applications will receive assistance with their recovery.

Visit www.aaeaBusinessRelief.com to complete the initial application.