Jacksonville, VyStar to partner on small business aid plan

Jacksonville, FL — Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry says a new partnership with VyStar Credit Union is designed to help small businesses stay afloat over the next several painful months.

During a virtual meeting with members of the City Council, Curry announced a $20-30 million program with a combination of grants, interest payments, and potential aid toward principle of a loan.

“It is my intention that the city’s portion of this financial assistance will be focused on relief for small businesses and some elements tied to employee retention”, Curry said.

Curry stopped short of saying how much the City’s portion of the program would be.  He warned that more people are going to lose their jobs in the coming weeks.

He also told Council Members that the City has added about $100 million in reserves over the past 4+ years, but there will be a long, hard road financially ahead.