DeSantis Activates Loan Program for Small Agricultural Businesses
TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis activated a loan program for small businesses that are agricultural producers and were impacted by Hurricane Ian.
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program will make $50 million available with at $10 million of it going to those small businesses in several counties. Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program.
Small agricultural producers 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 can apply. Small businesses in the most impacted counties including Charlotte, Collier, Lee, and Sarasota will be prioritized as they are received.
“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ strong, decisive leadership, we will ensure that communities across the state are able to recover quickly from Hurricane Ian’s devastation,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “Florida’s small business owners in need of assistance can now apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program at www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL.”
The loans under this program are short-term, zero-interest, personal loans using State of Florida Funds. The loans will need to be repaid and are not grants.
The application deadline is Dec. 2, 2022, deadline. 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.
