FloridaCommerce has announced the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, with $2 million allocated for businesses affected by recent severe weather in North Florida. The program aims to provide short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that have experienced economic injury or physical damage due to the tornadoes in May.
Eligible businesses, including sole proprietors, from Baker, Columbia, Escambia, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties can apply for loans up to $50,000. Applications are open until July 10 or until all funds are expended.
“Thanks to the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “We are quickly mobilizing this Emergency Bridge Loan financial support for small businesses that may need help making payroll and bridging the way to normalcy during this interruption to their normal course of business.”
State Senator Corey Simon emphasized the urgency of providing financial assistance: “As hard-working small businesses prepare for continued challenges ahead… These are tough times but we will get through them together.”
Leon County Commissioner Christian Caban also expressed gratitude: “All three tornadoes that impacted Leon County touched down in District 2 and this loan program is exactly what our businesses need to stay afloat as they address the damage caused by these storms.”
The Emergency Bridge Loan Program is administered by FloridaCommerce alongside its fiscal administrator, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation. Loans under this program must be repaid by approved applicants and are not grants.
For more information about the program and application guidelines visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL or call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
