Business Assistance

Avoid Disconnection

If you're not able to pay your full amount due and require a payment extension for your home or business, call our representatives at 866-832-6249 from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to discuss the options available.

Additional Paycheck Protection Program Funds

Available January 11, 2021 The SBA and Treasury announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will start accepting applications beginning January 11 for new borrowers and those eligible for a second draw on January 13. This round of funding is geared toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31,2021 and available for small business with fewer than 300 employees.

Key PPP Updates

• PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan's covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
• PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
• The Program's eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, destination marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
• The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
• Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
• Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.

A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:

• Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
• Has no more than 300 employees; and
• Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.

Click her to view a list of potential lenders by zip code.

Paycheck Protection Program. (2020). Retrieved January 9, 2021, from https://www.sba.gov/article/2021/jan/08/sba-treasury-announce-ppp-re-opening-issue-new-guidance

The CARES Act can help our business customers affected by COVID-19

This list provides phone numbers or links to apply for help.

What is the CARES Act?

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. The initiative offers 100% federally guaranteed loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Who is eligible?

Business Customers will be eligible for funds from the CARES Act if they are:

• A small business with fewer than 500 employees (The 500- employee threshold includes all employees: full-time, part-time, and any other status)
• A small business that otherwise meets the SBA's size standard
• A 501(c)(3) with fewer than 500 employees
• An individual who operates as a sole proprietor, an independent contractor or is self-employed who regularly carries any trade or business
• A tribal business concern that meets the SBA size standard
• A 501(c)(19) Veterans Organization that meets the SBA size standard

Some special rules also apply to eligibility for Business customers:

• If they are in the accommodation and food service sector (NAICS 72), the 500-employee rule is applied on a per physical location basis
• If they are operating as a franchise or receive financial assistance from an approved Small Business Investment Company the normal affiliation rules do not apply

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Express Bridge Loan

The Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) SBA Debt Relief

The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Floridadisaster.biz

Providing tools to assist Florida businesses prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters that impact them.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Business Resource Center

The U.S. Chamber is working closely with the White House, U.S. government agencies and foreign government officials to inform and equip businesses with the most important and up-to-date information.

Florida Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Business Resource Center

The Florida Chamber is uniting Florida's business community for good. Your safety, and the health of your employees, is essential.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

The EIDL program offers longer term loans with borrowing terms that favor applicants. The EIDL offers up to $10,000 in immediate relief paid out in as little as three days of application. These emergency funds are paid through a grant program which do not need to be paid back regardless if the loan is approved or denied. For applicants applying for both the EIDL and PPP programs it important to note that the amount forgiven under the PPP loan with be decreased by the amount of the grant approved. Apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance. (2020). Retrieved April 15, 2020.

Get the latest updates

Visit our COVID-19 response page for additional resources and more about how we're responding to the pandemic.