TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - Was your business hurt by Hurricane Hermine? Governor Rick Scott has introduced a new program to help local small businesses that were impacted by the storm.
On Tuesday, Governor Scott announced the activation of Florida's Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program that will provide short term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced physical or economic damage. The application period is from Tuesday to Oct. 31.
"Restoring Florida's small businesses is crucial to helping our communities recover from Hurricane Hermine and the Bridge Loan Program will help provide much-needed emergency assistance. We will continue to use every available state resource to help Floridians impacted by this storm throughout the entire recovery process," said the governor.
Owners of small businesses with two to 100 employees located in 51 counties affected by the hurricane can apply for short-term loans for up to $25,000.Loans are granted in terms of 90 or 180 days and are interest-free for that time period.
To be eligible, a business must have been established prior to August 31, 2016, and demonstrate economic or physical damage as a result of Hurricane Hermine.
To complete an application or for more information on the program, click here. For questions regarding the Emergency Bridge Loan Program, contact the Florida Small Business Development Center Network state office at (850) 898-3489.
