FloridaCommerce has allocated over $2.2 million through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to assist small businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. As of now, 55 businesses have been approved for these funds, with more applications being processed daily.
“Thanks to the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, FloridaCommerce was able to launch the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program quickly and rapidly bridge the funding gap for small businesses affected by Hurricane Helene,” stated Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “This program provides immediate critical financial support, putting cash-in-hand to help businesses keep employees on the payroll, make critical repairs, and get their doors back open.”
The program targets eligible small businesses with fewer than 100 employees in various counties across Florida. These businesses can apply for loans up to $50,000. Agriculture and aquaculture small businesses may qualify for loans up to $100,000.
The loans are designed to "bridge the gap" between disaster impact and securing long-term recovery funding from other sources like federal or commercial loans and insurance claims.
Administered by FloridaCommerce in partnership with Florida First Capital Finance Corporation, these short-term zero-interest personal loans must be repaid as they are not grants.
For more details about the program and application procedures before the November 25 deadline, business owners can visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL or call 833-832.