TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced more than $3 million in loans to assist 90 businesses impacted by the unprecedented flooding event in Broward County through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. Activated by Governor DeSantis on April 20, 2023, the program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced financial impacts or physical damage due to the unprecedented flooding event that occurred in Broward County. Interested applicants can apply through June 19, 2023, or until all available funds are expended. For more information or to apply, visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL.

Businesses in industries like retail, food service and hospitality, construction and manufacturing have been able to use these funds to keep their doors open, pay their employees and stay the course during their recovery.

“At Governor DeSantis’ direction, the DEO team was boots on the ground following the recent flooding in Broward County, meeting with impacted businesses to assess their immediate needs,” said DEO Acting Secretary, Meredith Ivey. “These emergency bridge loan funds are critical to get much-needed capital into the hands of small businesses so they can get back on their feet and keep their lights on as they recover.”

The Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is intended to bridge the gap between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business can secure long-term recovery funding. Small businesses may apply for these short-term, zero-interest, personal loans up to $50,000 per eligible applicant using state of Florida funds. They are not grants and loans must be repaid by the approved applicant.

Visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to learn more about the program, view the lending guidelines and required documentation, and complete an application by the June 19, 2023, 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., Eastern Time.


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