CARES funding for accreditation in outbreak prevention, response and recovery

Pasco Businesses: Get Reimbursed for GBAC STAR Accreditation

Show your customers you mean business when it comes to infectious disease prevention.  In collaboration with the Pasco Economic Development Council (PEDC) and Florida’s Sports Coast, Pasco County is launching a reimbursement grant program for local businesses to cover fees associated with applying for and earning their Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR Accreditation for infectious disease outbreak prevention, response, and recovery.

“Pasco County is proud to support our local business community, and this commitment of $2 million in Pasco CARES Act funding helps them pursue a certification that benefits our citizens, visitors and the overall wellness of our communities,” said Pasco Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Moore.

Accreditation means a business has established and maintained a cleaning, disinfection and disease prevention program to minimize risks associated with infectious diseases like COVID-19, creating a safe environment for reopening.

GBAC Star Accreditation steps for Pasco County businesses:

• Business must have a current/paid in full Pasco Business Tax Receipt (BTR).
• Complete the online application at gbac.issa.com/pasco by October 31, 2020.
• Businesses will pay the initial fee (50%) and final balance (50%) upon Accreditation as calculated by GBAC, both of which are 100% eligible for reimbursement at the time of payment through Pasco’s Office of Economic Growth.
• Program funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis, to a maximum of $2M
• Visit bit.ly/GBACStarPasco for more information

“Pasco County is offering our local businesses an exceptional opportunity to certify their facilities with an internationally recognized, third-party organization,” said PEDC President/CEO Bill Cronin.  “GBAC Star Accreditation inspires consumer confidence and demonstrates a commitment to cleanliness.”

For questions about the program, please contact Shelby Roberts with the Office of Economic Growth at 727-815-7092 / SRoberts@MyPasco.net.