FloridaCommerce has approved over $1.5 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses affected by Hurricane Debby. So far, 42 businesses have been approved to receive these funds, which are intended to provide temporary financial relief while awaiting other sources of funding such as insurance.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, FloridaCommerce was on the ground immediately following Hurricane Debby, providing support to businesses to meet their immediate needs for recovery,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Through the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan, Florida businesses are able to keep their doors open, supporting the entire economic ecosystem.”
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 recipients.
Eligible small businesses impacted by Hurricane Debby can apply for loans up to $50,000 through this program. For agriculture and aquaculture small businesses, loans up to $100,000 are available. The purpose of these loans is to "bridge the gap" between a disaster's impact and securing longer-term recovery funding from federal or commercial loans, insurance claims, or other resources.
Small businesses in Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Franklin Gadsden Gilchrist Hamilton Hernando Hillsborough Jefferson Lafayette Lake Lee Leon Levy Liberty Madison Manatee Marion Nassau Pasco Pinellas Putnam Sarasota St Johns Sumter Suwannee Taylor Union and Wakulla counties are eligible to apply until September 30 2024
For more information about the program lending guidelines required documentation and application process visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL Business owners needing further assistance may call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time.