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Published on December 27, 2024
SBA Offers Low-Interest Disaster Loans to Aid Recovery in Hillsborough County Post-HurricanesSource: Facebook/Hillsborough County, Florida Government

In response to Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will provide financial assistance to those affected by the storms. As funds begin to flow once more, low-interest disaster loans are on the table for Hillsborough County's small business owners, homeowners, renters, and nonprofit organizations. This is a clear-cut chance for local residents and entrepreneurs to regain their financial footing after the storms.

The deadline for loan applications is looming — Jan. 7, 2025. As per Hillsborough County's announcement, the process is not just about providing money. It's a partnership with the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Hillsborough County and SCORE, a nonprofit mentoring titan, to bolster Hillsborough's Business Recovery Center (BRC).

This collaboration heralds the creation of the Business Recovery Assessment Center (BRAC), a haven where businesses can seek both technical and financial aid to recover and stand sturdier in the face of potential future calamities. SBA disaster loan programs intertwined with business mentoring, coaching, and funding strategies will be accessible.

The center is situated at the Hillsborough County Entrepreneur Collaborative Center (ECC), located at 2101 E. Palm Ave., Tampa, FL 33605. A call to (813) 204-9267 is all it takes to connect with resources. In the BRAC, business owners will be met with SBA customer service representatives and SBDC specialists ready to assist in filing disaster loan applications, document reviews, and provide updates on application statuses. While no appointments can be scheduled, the BRAC has an open-door policy for walk-ins, according to the county's official website.