Resources available to local businesses to mitigate COVID-19 impact

The Lake County Agency for Economic Prosperity wants to make local businesses aware of the resources available to help mitigate the economic impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Gov. Ron DeSantis recently activated the Business Damage Assessment survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations, according to a press release. The survey, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy so actions to implement appropriate relief programs can begin. The Business Damage Assessment Survey can be taken online at floridadisaster.biz.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has activated the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program for small businesses affected by the virus. Funding of up to $2 million is available for those who qualify. Businesses can view application criteria and apply online at sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.

Small businesses also may apply for the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to help bridge the gap between the time the economic impact occurred and when a business secures other financial resources, including payment of insurance claims or the longer-term SBA loan. This loan program provides short-term, interest-free loans of up to $50,000 per eligible small business. Visit floridadisasterloan.org for additional information.

For assistance with both the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program and the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, area businesses should contact the Florida Small Business Development Center at UCF in Lake County at 352.404.7338 for the Groveland office or 352.602.4575 for the Mount Dora office.

Follow the Lake County Agency for Economic Prosperity’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ElevateLakeFL for the latest updates.

For the latest county information regarding COVID-19 and available resources for businesses, visit lakecountyfl.gov/covid-19.