Loans: Emergency Bridge Loans

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program

What is it?
The Florida Small Business Bridge Loan is NOT an SBA loan.  Rather, it is through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.  It is intended as a short term, interest free loan to tide businesses over before returning to normal or receiving other forms of funding.  It is NOT intended to be the primary source of assistance for small businesses affected by a disaster like COVID-19 and eligibility for the loan is linked to other financial sources.  The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is currently maxed out. Retain this info in case further funds are made available.

Who Qualifies?
Eligible applicants must:

• Be a for-profit, privately held small business that maintains a physical location in the state of Florida prior to March 9, 2020
• Employ between 2 and 100 employees
• Have all previous loans received from the state emergency bridge lain program repaid in full
• Demonstrate economic injury
• Own at least 51% of the equity in the business

Who does NOT Qualify?

• A business deriving more than one-third of gross annual revenue from legal gambling activities
• A business engaged in any illegal activity
• A business that presents live performances of an indecent sexual nature or derive directly or indirectly more than 2.5 percent of gross revenues through the sales of products and services or the presentation of any depictions or displays of an indecent sexual nature
• A business that has a primary purpose of facilitating polyamorous relationships
• Massage parlors
• Hot tub facilities
• Escort services

What does the loan entail?

• Applications will be accepted through May 8, 2020
• The maximum loan amount is $50,000 per applicant, though loans of up to $100,000 may be made on a case-by-case basis
• The loan repayment time is one year
• Loans will be interest-free for a period of one year
• After one year there will be a 12% interest rate per annum on the unpaid balance

How do I apply?

• Download the application here: 
• Verify that your business meets all of the above qualifications
• Complete the application
• Attach the following supporting documents
• Business Tax Returns as defined within Section III of the application
• Employer Tax Documentation as defined within Section III of the application
• Individual Tax Returns as defined within Section III of the application
• Government-issued personal identification of all individual applicants (ex:  driver’s license or passport)
• Attach any additional information that the applicant believes will assist the loan review committee in making a decision.  These could include:
• Year-end financial statements for the past two tax years
• Interim financial statements (profit & loss) for the current year-to-date
• Additional filing requirements providing monthly sales figures
• Explanation of credit report concerns and issues
• Applications must be submitted to the Florida Small Business Development Center

By mail: 
Florida SBDC Network Headquarters
C/O Florida Emergency Bridge Loan Process
220 West Garden Street, Suite 301
Pensacola, FL 32502
By Fax:  (850) 696-2693
By Email:  disaster@FloridaSBDC.org

Do you have questions or need assistance with your loan application?  You can contact your local SBDC office to schedule a one-on-one consultation.  Our local FSBDC consultants are based out of our chamber offices at 1425 E Vine St, but are currently working remotely.  Contact Rafael Pratts –

Rafael E. M. Pratts
Business Consultant
FSBDC at UCF
T. 407-847-2458
C. 863-617-9545
rpratts@ucf.edu

-to schedule a consultation via phone or video conference. This loan is open until May 8, 2020.

SBA Express Bridge Loan

The SBA has ongoing loans that may be of assistance at this time. The SBA’s Express Bridge Loan is designed for businesses who already have a standing relationship with an SBA lender. The loan amount is up to $25,000. It is intended to tide over businesses in a fix while they await further loan funding.

Who qualifies?

• Businesses with a prior relationship with an SBA Express Lender

What does this loan entail?

• Up to $25,000 can be accessed with less paperwork.
• Businesses will usually receive the funds within 45 days and in no more than 90 days.
• The loan can be paid in full or in part by the EIDL loan.
• The maximum loan term is 7 years.

How do I apply?
Apply through an SBA lender with whom you have a previous relationship.