Oct 11, 2024

Emergency bridge loan program may assist agriculture business in Florida

A Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program has a focus on ag, offering $50 million to support businesses impacted by Hurricane Milton, has been activated by the Florida Commerce.

Agricultural and aquaculture businesses can request up to $100,000, while citrus and cattle operations can secure loans up to $150,000. These loans act as a financial “bridge” while awaiting insurance or federal aid.

Counties eligible

Businesses in the following counties, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply:

• Alachua
• Baker
• Bradford
• Brevard
• Broward
• Charlotte
• Citrus
• Clay
• Collier
• Columbia
• DeSoto
• Dixie
• Duval
• Flagler
• Gilchrist
• Glades
• Hamilton
• Hardee
• Hendry
• Hernando
• Highlands
• Hillsborough
• Indian River
• Lafayette
• Lake
• Lee
• Levy
• Madison
• Manatee
• Marion
• Martin
• Miami-Dade
• Monroe
• Nassau
• Okeechobee
• Orange
• Osceola
• Palm Beach
• Pasco
• Pinellas
• Polk
• Putnam
• Sarasota
• Seminole
• St. Johns
• St. Lucie
• Sumter
• Suwanee
• Taylor
• Union
• Volusia

The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Milton. Interested applicants can apply now through Dec. 4, 2024, or until all available funds are expended.

More information is available online.