State designated as Florida’s principal provider of small business assistance, the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network stands ready to help small businesses impacted by Hurricane Idalia apply for disaster loans and with other post-disaster challenges.
“We are saddened to hear the stories of damage the Florida small businesses and families have suffered due to Hurricane Idalia. At the Florida SBDC, we want our small business owners to know how important they are to our state and that we stand ready to assist them get back on their feet as soon as possible,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network.
How can the Florida SBDC help my small business recover?
Countless small businesses have suffered unimaginable damage and/or economic injury as a result of Hurricane Idalia. As part of its service offering, Florida SBDC disaster specialists are available in times of disaster to provide confidential, no-cost consulting to help affected businesses prepare disaster loan applications and with other post-disaster challenges. Disaster specialists will work alongside SBA representatives to provide information about resources available and assist businesses in completing disaster loan applications.
Best of all: our assistance is offered at no-cost thanks to funding made possible by our stakeholders.
As part of the Florida SBDC’s service offering, the network plans to deploy its Mobile Assistance Centers (MAC) — 38-foot RV equipped with laptops, printers, Internet capabilities, and more—into affected communities for impacted businesses to receive on-site assistance.
In times of disaster, the Florida SBDC Network, in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, establishes Business Recovery Centers in communities most adversely impacted for affected businesses to receive on-site assistance with preparing disaster loan applications and other post-disaster challenges. Recovery locations will be listed as soon as possible.
What’s available?
The state has activated its Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Idalia. The survey helps state and federal officials determine the level of need and expedite disaster recovery resources for affected businesses.
The Florida SBDC Network encourages businesses impacted by the storm to complete the survey. Businesses may complete the survey online by visiting www.FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Idalia” from the dropdown menu.
Where can I learn more and get help?
The Florida SBDC Network stands ready to help your small business recover. Please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org/Idalia for more information on available assistance and how we can help.
