HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Businesses across Hillsborough County that were impacted by Hurricane Ian can now apply to the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.
The state has made $50 million available for businesses. At least $10 million of those funds must be allocated to small businesses that are agricultural producers impacted by the hurricane.
The program, which is administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic or physical damage due to Hurricane Ian. They are not grants, and loans must be repaid by the approved applicant.
Interested applicants can apply through the Department of Economic Opportunity’s website now through December 2, 2022, or until all available funds are handed out. Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program.
Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County
Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Hillsborough County disaster recovery specialists are available to provide confidential, no-cost consulting to help affected businesses prepare disaster loan applications. Florida SBDC disaster specialists work alongside SBA business loan specialists to provide information about resources available and assist businesses in completing state and federal disaster loan applications.
The Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County can be reached at HCFLGov.net/FSBDC or (813) 204-9267, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Business Recovery Center
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened a Business Recovery Center (BRC) to provide one-on-one assistance with submitting a disaster loan application for Florida businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian. SBA Customer Service Representatives will be available to answer questions about the disaster loan program and assist business owners in completing their applications.
The Hillsborough County BRC is located at the Chloe Coney Urban Enterprise Center, 1907 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33610. The BRC is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and closed on Sunday.
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