Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources

Below is a list of resources curated by BBB to assist businesses and consumers in their recovery efforts. As additional resources are identified, they will be added to this list.

SBA Webinar

Recorded January 30th 2025

We cordially invite you to learn about the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and targeted business analysis services. As we navigate an ever-changing business landscape, it's crucial to be prepared for any challenges that may arise.

Watch the recorded session where we explored:

The EIDL program, offering up to $2 million in assistance for eligible businesses
Eligibility requirements and a streamlined application process
Valuable business analysis from our resource partners
Essential strategies for small business disaster preparedness
Comprehensive overview of SBA products and services

Don't miss this chance to equip your business with the tools for resilience and growth.

We're excited to collaborate with district offices to bring you the most up-to-date information on SBA resources. These sessions will include a Q&A, allowing you to get answers to your specific questions.

SBA Webinar

Recorded February 10th

Watch the recorded session where we explored:

The EIDL program, offering up to $2 million in assistance for eligible businesses
Eligibility requirements and a streamlined application process
Valuable business analysis from our resource partners
Essential strategies for small business disaster preparedness
Comprehensive overview of SBA products and services

Don't miss this chance to equip your business with the tools for resilience and growth.

Business Resources:

Business Damage Assessment Survey
Complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey to assist government agencies in evaluating the impact.

US Small Business Administration (SBA) Low Interest Loans:
The US Small Business Administration is offering low interest Physical Damage and Economic Injury Loans. Residents and businesses can visit www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance to apply, and can contact disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955 for assistance.

Get Help: Florida Small Business Emergency Loans, Disaster Unemployment Assistance and other business/employee resources:
FloridaCommerce has partnered with the Florida Small Business Development Center Network and CareerSource Florida to bring One-Stop Business Resources.

FloridaDisaster.biz Business Resource:
FloridaDisaster.biz is the private sector’s hub for emergency management information before, during, and after an emergency.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services:
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has launched the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program offering low-interest or interest-free loans to agricultural and aquaculture producers who have experienced damage. Website: Check your application at the FDACS loan program page. Phone: (850) 617-7200

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan

Chambers of Commerce in Florida

U.S. Chamber of Commerce National Disaster Help Desk

Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant - The Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant Program began on October 31 and will distribute $5 million worth of grants to 1,000 small businesses within the impacted areas. The deadline to apply is November 17 at 11:59 pm. Grants will not be awarded on a first-come-first served basis, but applying early is always a good idea. Click here to begin your application (you will need your W-9 and a voided blank check or signed bank letter with your business account information to verify banking details).

Business Resources from Better Business Bureau

Protecting your Business

Florida Bar - Resources for Attorneys

Florida Department of Financial Services for Business

Disaster Assistance Programs for Businesses

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Cleaning up your business after the storm

IRS Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief for Businesses and Charities

Federal Resources:

FEMA - Helene & Milton

USA.gov - Helene & Milton

USDA.gov - Helene & Milton

The White House - Helene & Milton

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Guidelines for Cleaning Safely After a Disaster

IRS Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Operation Blue Roof or call (888) Roof-Blu (766-3258) - Toll Free

State Resources:

FloridaDisaster.org

Florida's Price Gouging Hotline
Attorney General Ashley Moody has activated Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline. Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it at MyFloridaLegal.com or calling (866) 9NO-SCAM (966-7226) - Toll Free

FloridaJobs.org
Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits.

SAIL is a toll-free hotline activated during an emergency to provide an additional resource for those in Florida to receive accurate and up-to-date information. Information provided by SAIL hotline operators includes how to prepare before, during, and after a hurricane. Website: The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) Phone: (800) 342-3557 - Toll free

Hope Florida connects the private sector, nonprofits, and government entities to help Floridians after a disaster. The Activate Hope initiative connects Floridians with outside resources that provide food, household goods, home repairs, and more. Website: Apply at Hope Florida More information: Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity (PDF) Phone: (833) GET HOPE (438-4673) - Toll free

Florida Shelters Currently Open & Driving Directions

Florida Division of Emergency Management – Recovery

Florida Chapter of the Red Cross

Florida Hurricane Relief Fund

Volunteer Florida

Florida Department of Financial Services

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations - DBPR Verify a License

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation – Hurricane Service Resources

Report A Scam to Better Business Bureau

File A Complaint about a Business to Better Business Bureau