Governor Makes $20 Million Available for Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Idalia

Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $20 million available to businesses impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Florida small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. Hillsborough County businesses, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply.

Administered by FloridaCommerce, the program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Idalia. Interested applicants can apply through Oct. 25, 2023 or until all available funds are expended.

Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program. Loans approved through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program 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.

Loans made under this program are short-term, zero-interest, personal loans using State of Florida funds. They are not grants, and loans must be repaid by the approved applicant.

Florida Commerce administers the Emergency Bridge Loan Program alongside its fiscal administrator, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation.

Visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to learn more about the program, view the lending guidelines and required documentation, and complete an application by the Oct. 25, 2023 deadline. Business owners who need further program information may call (833) 832-4494, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.