Post-Helene resource centers open for business owners, employees

State agencies are collaborating to help business owners and employees across the Gulf Coast of Florida dealing with the effects of Hurricane Helene.

One-Stop Business Resource Sites will open in Sarasota, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Charlotte and Lee counties this week to assist those impacted with navigating resources, including loans and unemployment. The Florida Commerce Department has partnered with the Florida Small Business Development Center Network and CareerSource Florida in the effort.

Here is where and when to find the One-Stop Business Resource Sites:

• Sarasota County: CareerSource Suncoast, 3660 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 2-4
• Charlotte County: CareerSource SWFL, 3745 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 2-4
• Lee County: CareerSource SWFL, 6800 Shoppes at Plantation Drive, Fort Myers; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 2-4
• Hillsborough County: USF Connect, 3802 Spectrum Blvd., Tampa; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 5-6
• Pinellas County: CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas, 2312 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 5-6

At the One-Stop Business Resource Sites, small businesses can get help applying for disaster assistance and get connected with additional disaster support. One-on-one assistance will be provided in navigating the Small Business Administration Physical Disaster Loan and Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program.

The Small Business Administration Physical Disaster Loan program provides up to $2 million to qualified applicant businesses for uninsured losses. Loans may be used to replace or repair real estate, equipment, fixtures and inventory and leasehold improvements not covered by insurance. Businesses must apply for the loan by Nov. 27.

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program makes $15 million available for businesses that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Eligible small business owners can apply for short-term, zero-interest loans up to $50,000, while agriculture and aquaculture small businesses may access up to $100,000. Businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene must apply by Nov. 24.

Workers and business owners can get help with disaster unemployment assistance, which is available to those who are unemployed as the result of a major disaster. The deadline to apply for disaster unemployment assistance is Dec. 2.