Fla. Activates Small Biz Emergency Bridge Loans
Gov. DeSantis says businesses hurt by S. Fla. floods – including sole proprietors – can apply for zero-interest emergency bridge loans through June 19, 2023.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to help businesses in Broward County affected by recent flooding to recover.
The program makes $5 million available for businesses in Broward County that are eligible to apply, including sole-proprietor businesses. Those that need assistance can find out more about the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program and begin the application process at FloridaJobs.org/EBL.
In addition to the Florida program, members of the Realtor family are encouraged to apply for help from Florida Realtors®’ Disaster Relief Fund.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) administers Florida’s bridge-loan program, which provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to the flooding in Southeast Florida. Interested applicants can apply now through June 19, 2023, or until all available funds are expended.
Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $50,000 as personal loans using State of Florida funds.
Loans 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.
The lending guidelines and required documentation are explained on the Emergency Bridge Loan webpage. Business owners who need further program information may call (833) 832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
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