FloridaCommerce has announced the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, allocating $3 million for businesses affected by recent severe weather in South Florida. The program is designed to provide short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that have suffered economic injury or physical damage due to flooding.
Eligible businesses in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties can apply for these loans through August 12, 2024, or until all funds are exhausted. Applications can be submitted via FloridaJobs.org/EBL.
“Thanks to the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, FloridaCommerce is able to quickly launch the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program to bridge the funding gap for small businesses affected by the flooding in South Florida,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “This program provides immediate, critical financial support, putting cash-in-hand to help businesses keep employees on payroll, make critical repairs and get their doors back open.”
The loans available through this program can be up to $50,000 and are intended as a stopgap measure until longer-term recovery funding becomes available from federal or commercial sources. These loans are personal loans using State of Florida funds and must be repaid by the approved applicant.
FloridaCommerce administers this program with its fiscal administrator, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation. Further information about the program and application guidelines can be found at FloridaJobs.org/EBL. For additional assistance, business owners may call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
