Business Assistance

State and Federal Assistance

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.

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

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

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

The Paycheck Protection Program allows for loans up to $10 million with a maturity of 2 years and a 1.0% interest rate. There are no fees to apply and loan payments can be deferred for six months. These loans can become fully forgiven if the funds are used to cover payroll costs, mortgage or rent expenses, or utility costs. Forgiveness is also based on the business ability to maintain or restore employment by June 30, 2020.

Download loan application forms that are funded through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or participating bank through June 30, 2020. View a list of potential lenders by zip code.

Paycheck Protection Program. (2020). Retrieved April 15, 2020.

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.