20230421 Governor Ron DeSantis has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $5 million available to businesses affected by flooding in Southeast Florida.

4/21/2023

Businesses in Broward County, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply.

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $5 million available to flood-affected businesses in Southeast Florida. Businesses in Broward County, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply. 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.

The program, administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses in Southeast Florida that have suffered economic or physical damage from flooding. Interested applicants can apply now through June 19, 2023 or until all available funds are exhausted.

Eligible small businesses can apply for up to $50,000 in loans through the program. Loans approved under the Emergency Bridge Loan Program are intended to “bridge” the gap between available federal or commercial loans, insurance claims, or other resources when a disaster strikes a business and a business has access to long-term recovery funds.

Loans made through this program are short-term, zero-interest, personal loans funded by the State of Florida. They are not gifts and loans must be repaid by the approved applicant.

The DEO administers the Emergency Bridge Loan Program with its fiscal administrator, First Capital Finance Corporation of Florida.

Visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL To learn more about the program, view loan guidelines and required documents, and complete the application by the June 19, 2023 deadline. Business owners seeking additional program information may call 833-832-4494, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

Updated: Friday April 21, 2023