FloridaCommerce has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, providing $15 million to aid businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. The program is open to small business owners in various counties across Florida, including sole proprietors. These areas encompass Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry and Hernando among others.
The initiative offers short-term loans with zero interest to small businesses that have suffered economic or physical damage due to the hurricane. Applications are being accepted until November 24th or until the funds are depleted.
Eligible businesses can apply for loans up to $50,000. For agriculture and aquaculture businesses specifically impacted by the disaster and requiring additional assistance may qualify for loans up to $100,000. The purpose of these loans is to "bridge the gap" between the immediate aftermath of a disaster and obtaining longer-term recovery funding from federal or commercial sources.
It is important to note that these are not grants but personal loans using State of Florida funds which must be repaid by those approved.
The program is managed by FloridaCommerce along with its fiscal administrator Florida First Capital Finance Corporation. Business owners seeking more information can visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL or call 833-832-4494 during business hours.