Pinellas County, state launch business survey to measure impact of coronavirus

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has activated a business damage assessment survey to assess the impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus on Florida’s local businesses, including those in Pinellas County.

The survey, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, will evaluate businesses affected by coronavirus and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy so actions to implement economic relief programs for businesses can begin, according to Pinellas County Emergency Management.

“Gathering information about the impact Covid-19 has on Florida businesses and industries will be invaluable to the state’s efforts in coordinating our response,” DeSantis said in a news release. “It is important that we understand the total impact Covid-19 has on businesses to ensure that we access the resources that may be available.”

The Business Damage Assessment Survey can be taken online here.

The survey asks respondents to estimate the total cost of the emergency to the business. It also asks whether the company has laid off workers as a result of the outbreak. Businesses can indicate the types of assistance they would be interested in receiving, including emergency bridge loans and Small Business Administration loans, but the survey is not an application for those resources.