TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Governor Rick Scott is offering short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced physical or economic damage during Irma.
His office activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by Hurricane Irma.
Through the program, small businesses affected by Irma will be able to apply for short-term, interest-free loans.
Governor Scott said, “Hurricane Irma was a massive storm affecting our entire state, including many of our small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of Florida’s economy, and families are depending on these businesses recovering as quickly as possible. The small business bridge loan program will help small business owners and communities get back up and running and I encourage all affected business owners to apply today.”
Small business owners with two to 100 employees in any of Florida’s 67 counties affected by Hurricane Irma can apply for short-term loans up to $25,000.
They say the interest-free loans are granted in terms of 90 or 180 days.To be eligible, a business must have been established before to Sept. 4, 2017 and have suffered physical or economic damage due to Hurricane Irma.
The application period is from today through Oct. 31, 2017.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity says they are currently surveying businesses in the affected counties.
To participate in the survey click HERE and select “Hurricane Irma” from the drop-down menu. Individuals who complete the survey still need to fill out a bridge loan application to receive assistance.
To complete an application or for more information on the program, visit www.floridadisasterloan.org.
For questions regarding the Emergency Bridge Loan Program, contact the Florida Small Business Development Center Network at 850-898-3489 or email Disaster@FloridaSBDC.org. The phone line will be answered during regular business hours; all voice mails and emails will be responded to within 24 hours.
