Governor Scott has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, as a result of the damaged caused by Hurricane Irma. The Program provides short-term, interest-free loans to businesses damaged by the storm.
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan helps businesses bridge the gap between the time damage is incurred and when a business secures other financial resources. This includes payment of insurance claims or longer-term Small Business Administration loans.
This program provides a short-term loan of State of Florida public funds (not a grant) with the expectation that repayment will be made out of receipts from other sources of longer term disaster recovery assistance.
Under the program, eligible small businesses in all 67 Florida counties with two to 100 employees may apply for short-term, interest-free loans for $1,000 to $25,000 for 90 or 180-day terms. To be eligible, a business must have been established before September 4, 2017, and demonstrate economic injury or physical damage as a result of Hurricane Irma.
Those who wish to apply for the Florida Emergency Bridge Loan program should visit the Florida Disaster Loan website for detailed information and downloadable application. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2017.
For questions regarding local administration of the Emergency Bridge Loan Program, contact the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network State Office at 850-898-3489 or disaster@floridasbdc.org.