Located in Tavares, FL Three Volcanoes Farm is a wholesale plant nursery that supplies large quantities of landscape materials to commercial landscapers, currently growing 80 varieties of woody ornamentals, tropicals, liriopes, ornamental grasses, daylilies and groundcovers on 112 acres of nursery in Florida and 60 acres in Costa Rica. In September 2017, Three Volcanoes Farm sustained economic and operational damage due to Hurricane Irma. Karen Owen, owner of the company, turned to the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at 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?

Plant and structural damage, especially to the glass greenhouses. Mores significant however was the business interruption. We’re still not fully operational today, a full month since the hurricane. It’s starting to come back, but we have lost at least a $250,000 inf sales. Our customers are working on clean up, not planting. And our customers are across the Southeast, with one of the biggest hit by Hurricane Harvey in Houston.

How helpful was the Emergency Bridge Loan?

This is going to mean that we won’t have to lay off any of our more than 50 employees. Cash flow has been hit hard and the same for working capital. This gets us past that and back into doing business.

How helpful was the Florida SBDC at UCF?

Working with the FSBDC was great. They were amazing. The process was extremely fast; not more than a week and a half. And really simple. For a government outfit, it was amazing.

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.

Located in Orlando, FL TSecret manufactures natural skin care products for the professional spa and salon market with a laboratory in Winter Park, FL, as well as operating a skin care clinic in College Park, FL where treatments for acne and other skin conditions are offered. In September 2017, TSecret sustained significant damage due to Hurricane Irma. Caroline Yachan, president of TSecret, 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?

We experienced damage to both sides of our business. Our manufacturing facility is also our warehouse and laundry. We spent money on outside labor to prepare for and recover from the storm.

Then we were without power for almost two weeks. Our raw materials and inventory are stored in refrigerators there and they were lost.

And our clinic lost revenues from cancellations before and after the hurricane, and of course during the storm when we were closed.

Plus the power outage at the manufacturing facility meant we had to pay overtime to some of our staff who had power and could do laundry for the clinic.

How helpful was the Emergency Bridge Loan?

With the expenses we have had, the lost revenues and the lost raw materials and inventory, the loan is so important to helping us get us past those costs, replenish our stocks and get our cash flow going again.

How helpful was the Florida SBDC at UCF?

The FSBDC has been so helpful. Incredibly helpful. We were already working with them and they recommended the Bridge Loan. When we decided to apply, we got a call almost immediately. And they were incredibly responsive to all our questions. Then today we got a call to come pick up a check. And we said, “What? Already? This is crazy.” And it was incredible timing because we had big bills that needed to be paid and there was the money. The FSBDC was so 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.

Located in Leesburg, FL Pet Lodge & Spa is a Professional pet lodging, daycare and spa / bathing services. In September 2017, Pet Lodge & Spa sustained severe financial damage due to Hurricane Irma. Sandra Metcalf, President 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, she recalled:

What type of damage occurred?

Financial impact was significant. With the announcement of the impending hurricane, we lost about 70% of our bookings and all the associated revenue. In addition, we have a no layoffs philosophy so we kept our employees working and incurred the related payroll expenses.  Drastically curtailed revenues while maintaining full operation overhead expenses over a 7 – 10 day period damaged us financially.

How helpful was the Emergency Bridge Loan?

This is our slow period in advance of November when the snow birds arrive. The loan will be used for just what it’s called: a bridge to get us to our busier times and increased revenues. It makes sure that hit from payroll doesn’t sap our resources.

How helpful was the Florida SBDC at UCF?

I’m a retired banker, on the lending side. I am flabbergasted by how fast and professional this experience has been. We sent our application in last Tuesday, and here we are a week later on Thursday – 9 days later — and we’re closing and the loan is being disbursed. Unheard of. Unbelievable.

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.

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.

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.