Up to $5,000 available for eligible businesses affected since June 1
In response to the government’s water rationing plan and the ongoing state of emergency, the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) is encouraging small and medium-sized businesses to apply for the Economic Recovery Incentive, a financial aid program designed to offset losses tied to the interruption of potable water service.
The initiative aligns with Gov. Jenniffer González Colón’s directive to support businesses impacted by the emergency. DDEC Secretary Carlos J. Ríos Pierluisi said eligible businesses may receive up to $5,000 to cover expenses incurred since June 1, 2026.
“We want to provide economic relief to small and medium-sized businesses affected by this situation,” Ríos Pierluisi said. “We have funds available for all qualifying businesses. I urge merchants to apply now and submit all required documentation so they can benefit as soon as possible.”
Eligible businesses must operate within the sectors identified in Executive Order OE‑2025‑044, Administrative Bulletin OE‑2026‑28, or any official communication from the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (AAA) related to the emergency. Impacted municipalities include San Juan, Bayamón, Guaynabo, Canóvanas, Carolina, Corozal, Loíza, Naranjito, Trujillo Alto, Vega Alta, Gurabo, Aguas Buenas, Juncos, Río Grande, and Caguas.
To qualify, businesses must generate $350,000 or less in annual sales and employ 25 or fewer full-time workers. A prior DDEC-issued PyME certification is not required; eligibility will be determined based on documentation submitted with the application.
According to Administrative Order DDEC‑2026‑03, incentive funds may be used for expenses such as bottled or tanker-delivered water for business operations; purchase or rental of water storage equipment or emergency backup systems; loss or damage of inventory or perishable goods directly caused by water service interruptions; disinfection, cleaning, and restoration costs; and other emergency operational expenses deemed eligible by the agency.
Ríos Pierluisi noted that the program is part of the broader directive issued by Gov. González Colón for all agencies to provide exceptional support to residents and businesses throughout the potable water emergency.
Business owners must submit the official application form available at www.desarrollo.pr.gov, along with all required documents. Additional information is available through the Auxiliary Secretariat for Entrepreneurship and Business Development at (787) 758‑4747 or premprende@ddec.pr.gov.
As part of its outreach efforts, DDEC also launched a PyME Orientation and Support Route today, visiting multiple municipalities through August 13. Stops on Thursday include the Loíza Municipal Library, the Canóvanas Multi‑Use Center, and the Río Grande Office of Recovery and Resilience. The full schedule will be shared on DDEC’s social media channels.
