Pinellas County continues to work with the State of Florida and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to obtain additional assistance. If you have employees impacted by Hurricane Idalia, please share the FEMA Helpline for pre-registration for assistance at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Please note, that homes impacted with even a few inches of water may be considered for major damage. Residents who use TTY may call 1-800-462-7585. This information is used to help make a determination of our needs here in Pinellas County. For assistance with lodging, food, crisis cleanup, other other services offered by area nonprofits, please visit https://pinellas.gov/emergency-information.
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan ProgramThe Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is now available. The state program makes $20 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Florida small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.
Who is eligible to apply?
Businesses in Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Colombia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, and Wakulla counties are eligible to apply.
What kind of loans are offered?
The program, administered by FloridaCommerce, provides short-term, zero-interest loans, in an amount of up to $50,000, to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Idalia. Loans approved 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. They are not grants; loans must be repaid by the approved applicant. FloridaCommerce administers the Emergency Bridge Loan Program alongside its fiscal administrator, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation.
Where can I find assistance for this program?
Visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to learn more about the program, and view the lending guidelines and required documentation. 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.
Recovery Resources
If you have other disaster recovery needs, please call (727) 453-7200 or email businesshelp@pinellas.gov to make a consulting appointment with an expert from the Florida SBDC Network at Pinellas County.
For the latest disaster recovery updates, visit https://disaster.pinellas.govReport Damages:Report damages to roads and public infrastructure.Report damages on homes.Report damages to businesses.Have questions, concerns, or needs? FloridaCommerce has activated the private sector hotline at 850-815-4925 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Inquiries may also be emailed to ESF18@em.myflorida.com. For more business resources, please see State Resources and Federal Resources pages.
Important links:
- Pinellas County Disaster Preparedness
- Florida SBDC Disaster Preparedness & Recovery
- Pinellas County Hurricane Preparedness Guide
- Alert Pinellas Emergency Notification Service
- Tampa Bay Association of Continuity Professionals
- Florida Division of Emergency Management Links for Business
- Ready Business-Tools from U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
- Private Sector Resources Catalog from the Dept. of Homeland Security