Florida small businesses have until Nov 4 to apply for federal disaster loans

Small businesses and private nonprofit organizations across 21 Florida counties have less than a month left to apply for federal disaster loans. The Small Business Administration, the federal agency that helps small businesses, set the application deadline for Nov 4. The loans are tied to frost, freezing temperatures, and high winds that damaged operations earlier this year.

Eligible counties include Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Broward, Charlotte, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Gilchrist, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Levy, Marion, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Putnam, Sarasota, and Union, according to Florida’s Voice. Several Southwest Florida counties are on the list, including Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, Glades, and Sarasota.

The Small Business Administration encouraged community partners to spread the word so affected owners do not miss out before applications close. For additional assistance, applicants can contact the SBA National Support Network Center at 866-SBA-HELP or email [email protected], with telecommunications relay services available by dialing 711.

Check your records if your business took a hit from the winter weather in those counties. A loan is money you pay back, but having low-interest federal backing when equipment or inventory suffers weather damage can keep cash flow steady. Mark your calendar for Nov 4 before the window shuts.