New and Updated Aid Programs Offer Funds for Business Owners Still Reeling from Storms

Nearly five weeks after Hurricane Milton, the City of Tampa knows that many businesses are still feeling the impacts from Hurricanes Milton and Helene. There are new grants and extended interest-free loan programs available to businessowners, along with aid for self-employed Floridians affected by the hurricanes:

Apply by November 17: New Grant Program Offering $5,000 to 1K Eligible Small Businesses

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has launched the Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant Program in partnership with American Express to support small businesses impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

The program will provide $5 million in funding, distributing $5,000 grants to 1,000 eligible small businesses across the Southeast to support their recovery and help them build resilience against future disasters.

Eligibility includes: 
• Located in SBA disaster-declared counties 
• Financially harmed and cannot cover costs 
• Have between 1-25 employees 

Eligible small businesses can apply now at this link until Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 11:59pm ET. 

Now 24-Months Interest Free: Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program

The Emergency Bridge Loan program has now been expanded from 12 to 24 months interest free. The program provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that are intended to bridge the gap between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer-term recovery funding, such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other resources. Visit FloridaCommerce to learn more.

FEMA Help Available for Self-Employed Floridians

Floridians who are self-employed and have had damages or losses as a result of the hurricanes may be eligible for FEMA assistance. The aid is available for self-employed residents, including artists, musicians and mechanics and independent contractors. 

To be considered for FEMA assistance, you must be a resident of or work in a county designated for FEMA Individual Assistance following Hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby. You must also have had damage or losses as a result of the Florida hurricanes.

FEMA can help replace tools and equipment required for self-employment, or not provided by an employer but required for employment, such as computers, uniforms, power tools, utility vehicles, lawnmowers and ladders.

An inspection is required to review the damage to essential tools/materials. If you have damage to personal property or essential tools, include this information on your FEMA application and notify the inspector of damage at the time of inspection. 

To learn more, click here.