In the wake of Hurricane Irma, Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County President and CEO Mark Huey has reached out to the community with information for small businesses on the road to recovery. If a business has sustained damage, owners can visit Florida's Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center. This is the primary portal for private sector preparation, damage assessments and recovery, and damage assessment forms are available at http://www.flvbeoc.org/index.php?action=bda. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available to individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations. The loans can be used for loss and damages not fully covered by insurance. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA's secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Nov. 9, 2017. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 11, 2018. A Disaster Recovery Center location will be set up in Sarasota County for applicants who need in-person assistance with either FEMA or SBA programs. More information will be announced. Locally, foundations have established funds to assist with Hurricane Irma disaster relief, including Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Gulf Coast Community Foundation and United Way Suncoast. 

Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County