Gov. Extends Small Business Bridge Loan Program For Local Counties

September 30, 2010

Small Panhandle businesses have more time to apply for emergency loans after Gov. Charlie Crist this week extended the deadline to tap into a $5 million bridge loan program as they continue to feel the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and a subsequent claims process that has been slower and harder than expected.

Business owners from Escambia to Franklin Counties have until October. 27 to apply for no-interest loans of up to $25,000 to help them meet payroll, pay bills and cover other expenses. Businesses in other parts of the state, however, aren’t so lucky. The deadline for all other counties is Thursday, October 1.

To date, the state has received 146 applications and loaned out nearly $3 million in loans to 125 businesses that employ fewer than 100 workers. Of those, 113 successful applicants hail from the panhandle region, said Dwight Sumners, spokesman for the Florida First Capital Finance Corp, which administers the program. “It is clear that small businesses in Northwest Florida continue to suffer from this disaster,” Crist said in a statement.

To receive an application or more information about the program, please visit www.floridaoilhelp.com or contact the Florida First Capital Finance Corporation at (850) 681-3601.

Comments

One Response to “Gov. Extends Small Business Bridge Loan Program For Local Counties”

  1. anydaynow on September 30th, 2010 12:07 pm

    That will surely help some local businesses. So will the Federal Small Business bill passed in the last week or so, it will also help community banks.

    http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/09/23/101038/congress-approves-30-billion-to.html

    Only 2 Republican supported that bill, which has been held back for months. Our own George Lemieux was one of the Republicans who finally supported this important assistance for small (truly small) businesses.

    http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/09/23/politics/main6894547.shtml

    The bill is fabulous, IMHO.