Business owners can visit mobile assistance centers post-Milton

Business owners who need somewhere to turn for help after Hurricane Milton can visit mobile assistance centers operated by the Florida Small Business Development Center Network.

The centers will be in Sarasota, Pinellas, Pasco, Charlotte and Manatee counties in the days ahead to assist those impacted with navigating resources, including loans. 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 Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program, Small Business Administration Physical Disaster Loan and Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan.

Here is where and when to find the mobile assistance centers:

Sarasota County

• Where: Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, 1945 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
• When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 17-19
• Where: Venice Area Chamber of Commerce, 597 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice
• When: 1-5 p.m. Oct. 18

Pinellas County

• Where: Pinellas Tradewinds, 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
• When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 14-17

Charlotte County

• Where: Port Charlotte Town Center Mall, 1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
• When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18-20

Pasco County

• Where: AmSkills Inc., 4606 Darlington Road, Holiday
• When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 16, 23, 28 and 30

Manatee County

• Where: Manatee Chamber, 222 10th St. W., Bradenton
• When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 21-24

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program makes funds available for businesses that have been impacted by Hurricane Milton. 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 Milton must apply by Dec. 4.

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 impacted by Hurricane Milton must apply for the loan by Dec. 10.

The Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan is for businesses that cannot cover operating expenses due to the disaster and/or debt payments. It is only available when the SBA determines businesses cannot get credit elsewhere. The maximum loan when combined with the SBA Physical Disaster Loan Program is $2 million. The deadline to apply if impacted by Hurricane Milton is July 11, 2025.