Apply for Emergency Small Business Bridge Loans Online or By Mail

Due to the widespread impact of coronavirus (COVID-19), the application process for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program changed this week.

Eligible small businesses interested in applying for the Bridge Loan program, a short-term loan designed to help business owners bridge the gap between the time of impact and when the business has secured long-term assistance, should apply for the program through one of two ways:

• Apply online and upload required supporting documentation or

• Download an application, complete it and mail it with the required supporting documentation to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) at: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, C/O Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan, 107 E. Madison Street, MSC-160, Tallahassee FL 32399-4120.

Small businesses that already applied should not submit an additional application.

To qualify, applicants must be for-profit, privately held small businesses that maintain a place of business in Florida. Businesses must also be an employer with 2 to 100 employees. Loans are interest-free for one year. Businesses can qualify for up to $50,000 in most instances. Applications will be accepted through May 8.

The Florida SBDC at USF is currently working through hundreds of applications received before the change in process and continues to field new inquiries daily. Loan decisions are made by an independent committee made up of economic development and finance professionals from within the region. Financing is provided by the state of Florida using public funds.

For additional updates and to find information on other available programs and resources, please visit us online at SBDCTampaBay.com/coronavirus. Small business owners with questions regarding the loan program should contact DEO toll-free at 833-832-4494 or email [email protected]. Applications must be completed by May 8, 2020.