Gov. Scott enacts relief program for Fla. small businesses

TALAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Rick Scott implemented Florida’s Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program Monday to aid small businesses post Hurricane Matthew, a press release said.

This initiative was created through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). The organization aspires to dispense “expedient cash flow to businesses damaged by a disaster” through the allocation of “short term, interest free loans.”

Gov. Scott noted the devastation parts of Florida experienced and said he wants to help those businesses in need.

“Restoring Florida’s small businesses is crucial to helping our communities recover from Hurricane Matthew and the Bridge Loan Program will help provide much needed assistance,” Scott said in a press release. “We will continue to use every available resource to help restore our resilient communities.”

Small businesses are able request a 90 or 180 day short-term loan to up to $25,000. In order to be eligible for these loans, businesses must have been established before Oct. 3 and possessproof of damage, and established before Oct. 3, a press release said.

The DEO aims to efficiently rebuild hurricane effected areas, and has approximately $10 million available through this program, a press release said.

DEO Executive Director Cissy Proctor emphasized the importance of this program, and its recovery plan for small businesses across the state.

“Across the state, our priority is to help every Floridian and community that has been affected by Hurricane Matthew,” Proctor said in a press release.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 11. For additional inquiries and questions, visit the program’s website, or call 850-898-3489.