I work with many small and medium-sized businesses on a regular basis. It goes without saying that the impact of the COVID-19 virus has been substantial to many small businesses in Florida and throughout the United States. Because of this, the Small Business Development Center at the University of North Florida is trying to get the following message out to as many small businesses in Florida as possible:
“Florida small businesses impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) may now apply for short-term, interest-free loans through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program.
The purpose of the loan program, which was activated yesterday by Governor DeSantis, is to help business owners bridge the gap between the time the economic impact occurred and when a business secures other longer-term resources, such as insurance proceeds or federal disaster assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Through the program, qualified small businesses with two to 100 employees affected by COVID-19 can apply for loans up to $50,000 for one-year terms. To be eligible, a business must be located in Florida, have been established prior to March 9, 2020, and demonstrate economic injury as a result of the virus.
To complete a bridge loan application by the May 8, 2020 deadline, and for more information about the program, please visit www.floridadisasterloan.org. The state is also working diligently to make an online application available.
As a principal responder in the state’s Emergency Support Function (ESF) 18 for Business & Industry, the Florida SBDC Network continues to monitor guidance from officials for developments, recommendations, and resources to develop a plan that will support your small business during this challenging time.”
Additional State of Florida resources include:
Here, you can find helpful information on business preparedness, online training, recovery, news, links, and more.
When the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is activated, the Florida Business Damage Assessment will be housed here and the Florida Private Sector Hotline (850-815-4925) will be activated.
Send an email to [email protected] if you would like information on Florida’s Public-Private Partnerships and Emergency Support Function 18 (Business, Industry and Economic Stability).
Florida Chamber Follow Facts, Not Fear
The official state chapter of the National Safety Council. Here you will find valuable, regularly updated links from the CDC, the Emergency Operations Center, the Florida Department of Health, the office of Governor DeSantis, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Additional information can also be found at the SBDC website: https://www.sbdc.unf.edu/.
Other federal resources available include:
Center for Disease Control Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
U.S. Small Business Administration Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Assistance
The goal of these resources is to help small businesses create a plan to keep their employees safe, minimize the financial impact caused by disasters, and quickly re-open their business in order to bolster the community’s economic recovery.
Marks Gray, P.A. is continuing to operate and assist our clients via telephone, email and video conferencing if necessary. As businesses reconfigure their activities to assist their clients, patrons and consumers Marks Gray, PA is here to help. Stay safe and be healthy!