News
FloridaCommerce announced the availability of $60 million to support local governments recovering from Hurricane Helene through the local government emergency bridge loan program. In the 2024 Legislative Session, the Florida Legislature passed SB 1420, which was then signed into law by Governor DeSantis, extending the repayment term to 10 years. This thoughtful change by the…
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact, Direct Relief has made available $74 million in medicines and medical supplies and $250,000 in financial assistance to community health centers, free and charitable clinics, and other healthcare partners in affected areas. With emergency response teams on the ground in impacted states, Direct Relief is working in collaboration with…
CareerSource Southwest Florida is providing assistance to Charlotte and Lee County residents and businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Receive help with Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans, Disaster Unemployment Assistance and other business and employee resources October 3 and 4 from 10 a.m-.3 p.m. each day. No appointment is necessary. CareerSource Southwest Florida center at…
FloridaCommerce has approved more than $2.1 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program for small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. To date, 55 businesses have been approved to receive these funds to bridge the gap while they wait on other funding, such as insurance, with more applications being approved daily.…
FloridaCommerce activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $15 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. 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. Businesses in the following counties, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply: Alachua, Baker,…
FloridaCommerce announced the extension of application deadlines for grant award programs due to Hurricane Helene. The deadline for the Florida Defense Infrastructure Grant (DIG) and Florida Defense Reinvestment Grant (DRG) programs have been extended to Oct. 18, 2024. The deadline for the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) has been extended to Oct.…
Town of Fort Myers Beach staff along with Lee County staff will be cleaning Estero Blvd, North Estero Blvd, and side streets today, Sept. 27. Residents are allowed and encouraged to return to the island; however, the town strongly encourages those who do not need to be here today, please stay away while Hurricane Helene…
Today, FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Helene. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Helene recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses. Businesses can…
The Shell Factory & Nature Park announces details for its final closing weekend on Sept. 27-29. Weather permitting, the park will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday through Sunday, with Nature Park admission, options for dining and discounts at the Gift Shop. The 4.5-acre Nature Park will be open for guests to…
Eric Eikenberg, The Everglades Foundation chief executive officer, gushed optimism for the long-running Everglades restoration project as speaker at the Sep. 18 SanCap Chamber business luncheon held at The Community House on Sanibel Island. “When I’m standing here at the chamber lunch in September 2030, we’re going to have champagne on every table….,” he projected completion…