Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan
Overview
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that 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.
Loans are available up to $50,000 per eligible applicant. Loans made under this program are short-term, personal loans using State of Florida funds – they are not grants and must be repaid. Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans require repayment by the approved applicant. Owners may utilize funding from longer term financial resources, such as U.S. Small Business Administration economic injury disaster loans, to repay the Emergency Bridge Loan.
Eligibility and Terms
- Your business must have been established prior to September 24, 2022
- Your business must be located in an eligible county. Businesses in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, and Volusia counties are eligible to apply.
- Your business must have been economically injured or physically damaged by Hurricane Ian.
- Your business must employ two to 100 employees.
- Credit Score of 600 or above
- You must have repaid all outstanding previous Emergency Bridge Loans.
How to apply
Begin by first registering with the Florida DEO at www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL and complete your application electronically. The following documents are required for all owners on the application to be considered complete:
- Current Personal Tax returns;
- Current Business Tax returns;
- Current Employer Tax documentation; and
- Copy of a Valid Driver’s License (front and back).
If you have any additional questions regarding this program, please call 1-833-832-4494 or email EmergencyBridgeLoan@deo.myflorida.com.
