Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $50 million available — at least $10 million of which must go to small businesses that are agricultural producers — for those impacted by Hurricane Ian. Small businesses in the most impacted communities, which includes Sarasota County, will be escalated and prioritized as they are received. Loans are available up to $50,000 per eligible applicant. Loans made under this program are short-term, personal loans using State of Florida funds – they are not grants and must be repaid. The deadline to complete the application is Friday, December 2nd. Visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to learn more or call 833-832-4494. DEO administers the Emergency Bridge Loan Program alongside its fiscal administrator, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation. As always, our team can be reached at info@edcsarasotacounty.com, or by calling 941-309-1200. We will keep you informed as Hurricane Ian business recovery details continue to develop. Below are helpful resources and pending information we will share more about soon.

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