Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer term recovery funding such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims or other resources. The bridge loan program was activated on October 4th, making $50 million available – at least $10 million of which must go to businesses that are agriculture producers impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Loans are available up to $50,000 per eligible applicant. Loans made under this program are short-term, personal loans using State of Florida funds – they are not grants and must be repaid. Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans require repayment by the approved applicant. Owners may utilize funding from longer-term financial resources, such as U.S. Small Business Administration economic injury disaster loans, to repay the Emergency Bridge Loan.
Apply here.
Lending Guidelines:
Only one loan may be made per eligible applicant.
Eligibility requirements:
- Your business must be located in Florida
- Your business must have been established prior to September 24, 2022
- Your business must be located in an eligible county. Businesses in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Henry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns,and Volusia counties are eligible to apply.
- Your business must have been economically injured or physically damaged by Hurricane Ian.
- Your business must employ two to 100 employees.
- Credit Score of 600 or above
- You must have repaid all outstanding previous Emergency Bridge Loans.
Loan terms:
- Loans may only be made to individuals who own at least 51% of an Eligible Business.
- The Borrower(s) and Eligible Business must serve as guarantors for the loan.
- Only one loan may be made per Eligible Applicant.
Ineligible Businesses include those engaged in illegal activities, loan packaging, speculation, multi-sales distribution, gambling, investment, or lending or where the owner is on parole.
Required Documents:
The following documents are required for all owners on the application to be considered complete:
- Current Personal Tax returns;
- Current Business Tax returns;
- Current Employer Tax documentation; and
- Copy of a Valid Driver’s License (front and back)
Contact Information:
Visit deosera.force.com/RebuildFloridaBusinessLoanFund/s/ for more information.
If you have any questions regarding the loan programs, please call 1-833-832-4494 or email EmergencyBridgeLoan@deo.myflorida.com.
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Overview
Business Physical Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery, and equipment. Business of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
County Requirements:
Primary Counties (eligible for both Business Physical Disaster Loans & Economic Injury Disaster Loans): Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, St. Johns, Sarasota, Seminole, and Volusia.
Contiguous Counties (eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans only): Alachua, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Clay, Duval, Glades, Hendry, Indian River, Marion, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Pasco, and Sumter.
Find more information and apply for disaster loans here.
SBDC Business Recovery Centers
The Florida Small Business Development Center network is on the ground in impacted regions helping small businesses recover from Hurricane Ian. The network is working in partnership with the Small Business Administration and Department of Economic Opportunity to provide on-site locations for small businesses impacted by the storm to receive assistance with state and federal disaster loans. For information on available disaster assistance and BRC locations, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org/disaster.
Disaster Recovery Centers
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) have opened across counties impacted by Hurricane Ian to provide wrap-around resources and information about recovery programs and disaster assistance to survivors. DRCs are a coordinated effort between FEMA, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and additional state agencies. DRC locations and additional information are available at floridadisaster.org.