The Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) has moved to significantly expand financial relief for small and mid‑sized businesses affected by ongoing potable water interruptions, doubling the maximum aid available under its Economic Recovery Incentive Program. The update, formalized through Administrative Order 2026‑03, raises the cap from $5,000 to $10,000 per business.
DDEC Secretary Carlos Ríos Pierluisi said the expanded program is designed to mitigate operational losses tied to the drought and service disruptions that have strained commercial activity across multiple municipalities. To widen access, the government eased eligibility requirements and increased the annual sales limit for qualifying businesses from $350,000 to $1 million. The revised structure introduces tiered grants based on revenue, allowing microenterprises and larger small businesses to receive scaled assistance up to the new $10,000 maximum.
The incentive is available to businesses with 25 employees or fewer located in the areas most affected by water service interruptions, including San Juan, Bayamón, Guaynabo, Canóvanas, Carolina, Corozal, Loíza, Naranjito, Trujillo Alto, Vega Alta, Gurabo, Juncos, Río Grande and Caguas.
