Governor DeSantis announces activation of small business emergency bridge loans

08/10/2024

Governor DeSantis announced the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $10 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Debby. Florida small business owners in need of assistance, including sole proprietors, are encouraged to visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL  to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Debby. Interested applicants can apply now through September 30, 2024, or until all available funds are expended.

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program eligibility requirements:

  • Your business must be located in Florida.
  • Your business must have been established prior to August 1, 2024
  • Your business must be located in an eligible county: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Franklin, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Nassau, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, Union and Wakulla.
  • Your business must have been economically injured or physically damaged by Hurricane Debby.
  • Your business must employ 100 employees or less.
  • Credit Score of 600 or above.
  • You must have repaid all outstanding previous Emergency Bridge Loans.

Loan terms:

  • Max Amount: up to $50,000 (Maximum Amount for Agriculture or Aquaculture is $100,000)
  • Term: One year
  • 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 short term rentals, those engaged in illegal activities, loan packaging, speculation, multi-sales distribution, gambling, investment or lending or where the owner is on parole.

To apply, visit here.

The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) is operational. Residents needing resources after Hurricane Debby can call 1-800-342-3557. There are English and Spanish speakers available to answer questions.