Florida Emergency Bridge Loan Success Stories

Tristan Sothern, Circuit Motorsports

Circuit Motorsports

Circuit Motorsports, Roger Greenwald, Tristan Sothern

Tristan Sothern (L) with FSBDC at UCF Roger Greenwald

Located in Casselberry, FL Circuit Motorsports provides high quality aftermarket vehicle performance parts, service and tuning to automobile enthusiasts, specializing in performance upgrades and installations, maintenance and repair and other forms of custom work. In September 2017, Circuit Motorsports sustained physical damage due to Hurricane Irma. Tristan Sothern, CEO of the company, turned to the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida (UCF) for help securing a Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan.  When asked about his experience with the hurricane and the assistance received, he recalled:

What type of damage occurred?

Our building was damaged, with leaking through the roof and water intrusion through the walls. Besides that, we didn’t have internet for about two and one-half weeks. We were essentially closed. It hurt revenues and cash flow and our working capital.

How helpful was the Emergency Bridge Loan?

Just getting us going again, and try to make up for those lost weeks of revenue, getting the schedule filled back up and cover payroll as we do.

How helpful was the Florida SBDC at UCF?

FSBDC was very helpful. I called in and got my questions answered, sent in the paperwork I supposed to send in. It was a pretty quick turnaround: about a week. Here I am getting a check. It all worked pretty well.

About the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program

Administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, in collaboration with the Florida SBDC Network, and supported by Florida First Capital Finance Corporation (FFCFC), the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan is a short-term, interest-free working capital loan intended to help small businesses “bridge the gap” between the time of a declared disaster and when the business has secured long-term recovery resources, such as insurance proceeds or federal disaster assistance. Governor Rick Scott activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program on Thursday, September 14 and the first loan was distributed the following Monday. Eligible businesses with two to 100 employees may apply for loans up to $50,000 for 90 or 180-day terms.

As a principal responder in the state’s Emergency Support Function for Business, Industry, and Economic Stabilization, the Florida SBDC Network supports disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation through its Business Continuation Services. As part of its service offering, Florida SBDC professionally certified consultants and disaster specialists are available to provide confidential, no-cost consulting to help affected businesses prepare disaster loan applications and with other post-disaster challenges.

Kathleen Thompson, Barracuda Building Corp, FSBDC at UCF

Barracuda Building Corp.

Kathleen Thompson, Barracuda Building Corp, FSBDC at UCF, Jill McLaughlin

Kathleen Thompson (L) with FSBDC at UCF Consultant Jill McLaughlin

Located in Apopka, FL, Barracuda Building Corp. is a certified general contractor operating across Central Florida specializing in underground utility pipe and site construction projects with some vertical construction. In September 2017, Barracuda Building Corp sustained economic and operational damage due to Hurricane Irma. Kathleen Thompson, owner of the company, turned to the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida (UCF) for help securing a Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan.  When asked about her experience with the hurricane and the assistance received, he recalled:

What type of damage occurred?

Prior to the storm hitting, we had three contracts that were about to start. All of them were delayed by the hurricane and we had no revenue coming in as a result. We had no internet for two weeks; and you know it’s really hard doing business without the internet.

We were closed down for the first time in 15 years. And we still had all the expenses of running the business. You’re still paying the bills, but when money is not coming in, that’s difficult.  And when you’re shut down, you can’t pay anyone. And that’s the hardest part.

How helpful was the Emergency Bridge Loan?

This is really going to help a lot. We are only just starting two of those delayed projects, and the third is still on hold and backlogged. This will help our cash flow very much. Once we knew we had the loan, we knew we’d be all right.

How helpful was the Florida SBDC at UCF?

It was real easy working with the FSBDC. Very smooth and fast; it felt like it all happened over the weekend. We called Thursday-Friday, and here we are on Thursday getting the check.

About the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program

Administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, in collaboration with the Florida SBDC Network, and supported by Florida First Capital Finance Corporation (FFCFC), the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan is a short-term, interest-free working capital loan intended to help small businesses “bridge the gap” between the time of a declared disaster and when the business has secured long-term recovery resources, such as insurance proceeds or federal disaster assistance. Governor Rick Scott activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program on Thursday, September 14 and the first loan was distributed the following Monday. Eligible businesses with two to 100 employees may apply for loans up to $50,000 for 90 or 180-day terms.

As a principal responder in the state’s Emergency Support Function for Business, Industry, and Economic Stabilization, the Florida SBDC Network supports disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation through its Business Continuation Services. As part of its service offering, Florida SBDC professionally certified consultants and disaster specialists are available to provide confidential, no-cost consulting to help affected businesses prepare disaster loan applications and with other post-disaster challenges.

Blake Blair, Jimmy Hula's

Jimmy Hula’s

Jimmy Hula's, Christie Island Shack, Blake Blair

Blake Blair with FSBDC at UCF Assistant Director Pauline Davis

Located in Altamonte Springs, FL Jimmy Hula’s is a quick-casual restaurant with island/California/surf theme offering fish tacos, burgers, sandwiches, beer & wine. In September 2017, Jimmy Hula’s sustained physical damage to their facility. Blake C. Blair, Managing Member of the company, turned to the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida (UCF) for help securing a Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan.  When asked about his experience with the hurricane and the assistance received, he recalled:

What type of damage occurred?

We experienced a total loss of the awning, exterior fans, electrical conduit. We had damage to landscaping, trees & limbs, and some areas of the building. Loss of power meant complete spoilage of all of our refrigerated food. Nine (9) days with no power meant we were closed and lost revenue for all that time.

How helpful was the Emergency Bridge Loan?

Just like the title, it bridges the gap and gives me the funds necessary to get repairs done before the insurance claim comes back to me. It gets us up and running again, and means we can get revenue flowing again.

How helpful was the Florida SBDC at UCF?

They were very helpful and quick. Guided me through what I needed to do. Turnaround was fast. Had a check to me in less than a week. I’d recommend them to anyone in a disaster recovery situation.

About the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program

Administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, in collaboration with the Florida SBDC Network, and supported by Florida First Capital Finance Corporation (FFCFC), the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan is a short-term, interest-free working capital loan intended to help small businesses “bridge the gap” between the time of a declared disaster and when the business has secured long-term recovery resources, such as insurance proceeds or federal disaster assistance. Governor Rick Scott activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program on Thursday, September 14 and the first loan was distributed the following Monday. Eligible businesses with two to 100 employees may apply for loans up to $50,000 for 90 or 180-day terms.

As a principal responder in the state’s Emergency Support Function for Business, Industry, and Economic Stabilization, the Florida SBDC Network supports disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation through its Business Continuation Services. As part of its service offering, Florida SBDC professionally certified consultants and disaster specialists are available to provide confidential, no-cost consulting to help affected businesses prepare disaster loan applications and with other post-disaster challenges.

Todd Marinshaw, Allen Sportswear, FSBDC at UCF, Pauline Davis

Allen Sportswear

Allen Sportswear, Florida SBDC at UCF, FSBDC at UCF, FSBDC Oviedo

Todd Marinshaw, CEO of Allen Sportswear, and Pauline Davis, assistant director for the Florida SBDC at UCF

Located in Oviedo, Allen Sportswear is an Internet-based sportswear company that sells team uniforms and apparel to high schools, colleges, and club traveling teams. In September 2017, the company sustained severe flooding damage from Hurricane Irma. Todd Marinshaw, CEO of the company, turned to the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida (UCF) for help securing a Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan.  When asked about his experience with the hurricane and the assistance received, Marinshaw recalled:

What type of damage occurred?

Our business sustained severe flooding. We lost internet and power for more than a week and could not make a single sale during that time. Cash flow evaporated and revenue was lost.

How helpful was the Emergency Bridge Loan?

With zero cash flow and no sales, we are behind on pretty much every credit card right now. The bridge loan will keep us out of any kind of credit trouble or issues. It will help us get back on track. We were really struggling.

How helpful was the SBDC?

The Florida SBDC was great. They were quick, fast, and easy to work with. They did all the legwork and were awesome.

About the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program

Administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, in collaboration with the Florida SBDC Network, and supported by Florida First Capital Finance Corporation (FFCFC), the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan is a short-term, interest-free working capital loan intended to help small businesses “bridge the gap” between the time of a declared disaster and when the business has secured long-term recovery resources, such as insurance proceeds or federal disaster assistance. Governor Rick Scott activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program on Thursday, September 14 and the first loan was distributed the following Monday. Eligible businesses with two to 100 employees may apply for loans up to $50,000 for 90 or 180-day terms.

As a principal responder in the state’s Emergency Support Function for Business, Industry, and Economic Stabilization, the Florida SBDC Network supports disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation through its Business Continuation Services. As part of its service offering, Florida SBDC professionally certified consultants and disaster specialists are available to provide confidential, no-cost consulting to help affected businesses prepare disaster loan applications and with other post-disaster challenges.

Marnie Forestieri, Little Explorer Academy, FSBDC at UCF, Pauline Davis

Little Explorer Academy

Marnie Foresieri; Pauline Davis; FSBDC, Little Explorer Academy

Marnie Forestieri’s (L) and Florida SBDC at UCF and consultant Pauline Davis (R)

Located in Oviedo, Little Explorer Academy is a child care center for children ages 0-5 that specializes in early childhood STEM education. In September 2017, Little Explorer Academy sustained physical damage to their facility. Marnie Forestieri, CEO of the company, turned to the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida (UCF) for help securing a Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan.  When asked about her experience with the hurricane and the assistance received, she recalled:

What type of damage occurred?

Our playgrounds were damaged. Turf, landscaping, and structures were all affected and left either unusable or dangerous.

How helpful was the Emergency Bridge Loan?

The Bridge Loan was absolutely handy. Structures are very expensive. Insurance doesn’t cover it. After deductibles, it wasn’t worth making the claim. This loan will help us rebuild our playgrounds. The kids are going to be very, very happy.

How helpful was the Florida SBDC at UCF?

They were absolutely amazing. I came in on a Thursday afternoon and two business days later I had the money from the loan. It was absolutely great service. From the beginning to the end, a great experience.

About the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program

Administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, in collaboration with the Florida SBDC Network, and supported by Florida First Capital Finance Corporation (FFCFC), the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan is a short-term, interest-free working capital loan intended to help small businesses “bridge the gap” between the time of a declared disaster and when the business has secured long-term recovery resources, such as insurance proceeds or federal disaster assistance. Governor Rick Scott activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program on Thursday, September 14 and the first loan was distributed the following Monday. Eligible businesses with two to 100 employees may apply for loans up to $50,000 for 90 or 180-day terms.

As a principal responder in the state’s Emergency Support Function for Business, Industry, and Economic Stabilization, the Florida SBDC Network supports disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation through its Business Continuation Services. As part of its service offering, Florida SBDC professionally certified consultants and disaster specialists are available to provide confidential, no-cost consulting to help affected businesses prepare disaster loan applications and with other post-disaster challenges.