The State of Florida Introduces the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program for Eligible Counties affected by Hurricane Milton

​The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program offers short-term, zero-interest loans designed to provide immediate working capital for businesses affected by disasters, helping them bridge the gap until they secure long-term recovery funding such as federal or commercial loans and insurance claims.

These loans, funded by the State of Florida, are not grants and must be repaid. Borrowers can utilize long-term financial resources, like U.S. Small Business Administration economic injury disaster loans, to repay the Emergency Bridge Loans.

**Eligibility Requirements:**

• Businesses must be located in Florida and established before October 5, 2024 for designated areas including Palm Beach County affected by Hurricane Milton.
• Businesses must demonstrate economic injury or physical damage due to the hurricane.
• Eligible businesses must employ fewer than 100 individuals and have a credit score of 600 or higher.

*Loan Details:

• Maximum loan amount: Up to $50,000 (up to $100,000 for agriculture and aquaculture).
• Loan term: One year.
• Only one loan may be issued per eligible applicant.

*Ineligible Businesses:

Businesses engaged in short-term rentals, illegal activities, speculation, multi-sales distribution, gambling, or owned by individuals on parole cannot apply.

*Required Documentation:

• Driver's license or passport for all owners
• Current and previous year's business tax returns
• Current personal tax returns for all owners
• Proof of at least two employees or sole proprietorship status.
• A voided check.

For a complete application, please visit: FloridaJobs.org/EBL

For questions regarding the program, please call 833-832-4494 (Monday to Thursday, 9 AM - 6 PM; Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM) or email [email protected].

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.