The Glazer family, owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, have announced the creation of the Glazer Family Small Business Fund, pledging $1 million to support small businesses in Tampa Bay and West Central Florida, as they recover from the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
This initiative builds on the Glazer family’s previous contributions, which included a $1 million donation for relief efforts following Hurricane Helene, in September, and another $1 million pledged, in October, for Hurricane Milton recovery. The latest fund will provide grants of up to $5,000 to hundreds of small businesses impacted by the storm.
“One of the first things people say after spending time here, in the Tampa Bay region, is what a phenomenal place this is. And when we discuss why, they talk about the endless restaurants, the unique variety of stores, the overall friendly people that are here, the services and the attitude that everybody has…they discover what everybody here in this room already knows. This is a great place to live and an unbelievable place to work,” said Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Buccaneers owner and chair of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation and Glazer Vision Foundation.
The program, managed in partnership with eight chambers of commerce, will provide financial assistance to small businesses most affected by the storm. Participating chambers include the Tampa Bay Chamber, North Tampa Bay Chamber, South Tampa Chamber, St. Petersburg Chamber, Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber, Manatee Chamber, Greater Plant City Chamber and Amplify Clearwater.
Funds will be distributed through the nonprofit organizations affiliated with these chambers, which will also oversee the application process and select grant recipients.
“We recognize and appreciate the profound role that small businesses play in making our region so unique. That is why we have spent the past month working with leaders at eight local chambers of commerce to develop a plan for my family to support small business owners across Tampa Bay and West Central Florida,” Glazer said.