Small Business Emergency Bridge Grant

Businesses across Hillsborough County that were impacted by Hurricane Ian can now apply to the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.

The state has made $50 million available for businesses. At least $10 million of those funds must be allocated to small businesses that are agricultural producers impacted by the hurricane. The program, which is administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic or physical damage due to Hurricane Ian. They are not grants, and loans must be repaid by the approved applicant.

Interested applicants can apply through the Department of Economic Opportunity’s website now through December 2, 2022, or until all available funds are handed out. Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program.