Emergency Bridge Loan Program for small businesses activated

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced economic hardships due to COVID-19. The application period began today and runs through May 8, 2020. "As we mitigate against the spread of COVID-19, the health, safety and well-being of Floridians comes first," said Governor DeSantis. "I understand the harm mitigation strategies will have on small businesses throughout our state. By activating the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan, we are providing the opportunity for Florida's small businesses to receive cash immediately to ensure they can lessen the impacts felt as a result of COVID-19."