By Samantha Joseph

Staff writer

Martin County could gain more than 260 jobs, if a group of local companies is successful in its bid for state funding.

Fifty-one businesses from several sectors, including medical, nonprofits and manufacturing, applied for about $5.7 million in federal funds as part of the Florida Back-to-Work program.

They applied through Workforce Solutions, a state-chartered agency that connects jobseekers and employers, and hope to get responses before the end of the first week of February.

The money would pay the salaries of their new hires, but the businesses would have to cover benefits, taxes and 4 percent of the cost of bringing on the new employee.

"These are brand new jobs that haven't existed," aid Odaly Victorio, spokeswoman for Workforce Solutions. "People are going to get back to work, and there's going to be income to support many more businesses. Families can begin to heal. It's a very positive thing."

The Florida Back-to-Work program is a six-month venture, but administrators expect participating companies to keep employees beyond that period.

Mark Libratore, president and CEO of Liberator Medical Supply, applied for funding to add 28 employees, primarily in sales, customer service and support.

"We're a constantly expanding company. This allows us to accelerate our growth, while minimizing the cost of hiring staff."

Liberator Medical Supply would begin hiring under the program as soon as it got approval, and would have new employees onboard by March 1.

"Our intent is that if there are candidates who meet the criteria for these positions, then we'd move forward promptly," said Jean-Marie Reyes, the company's human resources manager.

Martin County businesses made a strong showing in the program, thanks to efforts of the area's Business Development Board, representatives of Workforce Solutions said.

The economic development group worked with 32 of the 51 local businesses that submitted applications for funding.

"The companies we work with have a multiplier effect. This will have a broader effect that the 261 jobs," said Ron Bunch, executive director of the Business Development Board. "It would mean hundreds of paychecks circulating in the economy. It's not a one-time fix."