FloridaCommerce has approved more than $2.1 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to assist small businesses affected by recent flooding in South Florida. To date, 66 businesses have been approved to receive these funds as a temporary financial solution while they await other sources of funding, such as insurance claims. Applications continue to be processed daily.
Eligible small businesses in South Florida impacted by the floods can apply for loans up to $50,000 through this program. The Emergency Bridge Loan Program is designed to provide immediate financial relief between the time a disaster occurs and when longer-term recovery funding becomes available from federal or commercial loans, insurance, or other resources. Small business owners seeking assistance are encouraged to visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL for application details.
FloridaCommerce administers the Emergency Bridge Loan Program with its fiscal administrator, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation. These loans are short-term, zero-interest personal loans funded by the State of Florida and must be repaid by the approved applicants.
Businesses located in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply until August 12, 2024. For more information on the program, lending guidelines, required documentation, and application procedures, business owners should visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL. Additional inquiries can be directed to 833-832-4494 from Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time.
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