Disaster Resources for Businesses
Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Recovery Assistance for Businesses
Pinellas County Economic Development is your resource for emergency preparedness and disaster recovery assistance for businesses. Before disaster strikes, it’s important to know your risk, make a business continuity plan, and stay informed to protect your business. Disasters can take many forms and rebuilding after a disaster can be overwhelming. Having a plan, preparing for emergencies, and knowing what your company and employees need to recover and continue operations can help reduce financial impacts and help you reopen your business faster.
Pinellas County Emergency Management asks residents and businesses to practice emergency preparedness. Learn more about making a plan for this hurricane season.
Need help with your business continuity and recovery plans? Get free business consulting and disaster resources from Pinellas County Economic Development.
Business Recovery Center Opens in Clearwater
The SBA’s Business Recovery Center is now open at the Pinellas County Economic Development office at The EpiCenter in Clearwater. The SBA will offer assistance to business owners, homeowners, and renters with completing disaster loan applications and will answer questions and provide information about resource partners. Florida SBDC staff will also be available to offer assistance with applications for critical business recovery programs.
Business Recovery Center Information:
- Services: FSBDC will offer business recovery assistance. The SBA will offer assistance to business owners, homeowners, and renters with completing disaster loan applications and will answer questions and provide information about resource partners.
- Location: Pinellas County Economic Development offices at The EpiCenter, 13805 58th Street N., Suite 1-200, Clearwater FL 33760.
- Dates: Starting Monday, October 21
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Appointments are not required and walk-in visits are welcome. Can’t make it there? Request an appointment with a consultant.
Hurricane Milton
Report Business Damages
FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) have activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Milton Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Milton recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses.
Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting https://floridajobs.org/floridadisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Milton” from the dropdown menu.
Please note, if you already filled out a Business Damage Assessment Survey for Hurricane Helene, and received subsequent damage due to Hurricane Milton, you will need to fill out a separate, new survey for damages incurred under Hurricane Milton.
If you need assistance with filling out the survey, please contact econdev@pinellas.gov and Pinellas County staff will assist you.
Visit the SBA Recovery Center for assistance with loan options
SBA offers low-interest, disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profit organizations. For assistance with your application, visit the Business
Recovery Center at SPC Epicenter at St. Petersburg College, 13805 58th Street N, Suite 1-200,
Clearwater. Open Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM starting on October 21, 2024.
What type of financial assistance is available to help my business recover from Hurricane Milton?
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
FloridaCommerce activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $50 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Milton. Florida small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. Businesses in Pinellas County, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply.
The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Milton.
Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program. Loans of up to $100,000 are available for agriculture and aquaculture small businesses. Loans approved through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer-term recovery funding, such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other resources.
Loans made under this program are short-term, zero-interest, personal loans using State of Florida funds. They are not grants and loans must be repaid by the approved applicant.
FloridaCommerce administers the Emergency Bridge Loan Program alongside its fiscal administrator, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation.
Visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to learn more about the program, view the lending guidelines and required documentation, and complete an application. Business owners who need further program information may call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
SBA Disaster Assistance Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has activated the Physical Disaster Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is
January 7, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 11, 2025.
Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal at Lending.sba.gov or other locally announced locations. Please contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by phone at 1-800-659-2955 for further assistance.
FloridaCommerce Business and Employee Resources
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton are encouraged to submit a claim at Floridajobs.org.
What type of assistance is available to help me or my employees personally recover from Hurricane Milton?
FEMA
Homeowners and renters who sustained damages or losses from Hurricane Milton or Hurricane
Helene can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. Residents can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov,
using the FEMA app or at 1-800-621-3362.
Visit a Multi Agency Resource Center (for personal/family recovery) in Pinellas County
Botanical Gardens-Magnolia Room, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774. Open Mon. through
Sat. from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Enoch Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33705. Open daily from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
What should I do with my hurricane debris?
Sand and Storm Debris Cleanup
Each city is managing their own debris pickup program. If you live in a municipality, contact your city or town about the availability of storm debris pickup in your area. If you’re not sure if your property is located within unincorporated Pinellas or within a city/municipality, use the interactive My Neighborhood Services tool at pinellas.gov/my-neighborhood to find out.
Hurricane Helene
Report Business Damages
FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) have activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Helene. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Helene recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses.
Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting https://floridajobs.org/floridadisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Helene” from the dropdown menu.
If you need assistance with filling out the survey, please contact econdev@pinellas.gov and Pinellas County staff will assist you.
Visit the SBA Recovery Center for assistance with loan options
SBA offers low-interest, disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profit organizations. For assistance with your application, visit the Business
Recovery Center at SPC Epicenter at St. Petersburg College, 13805 58th Street N, Suite 1-200,
Clearwater. Open Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM starting on October 21, 2024.
What type of financial assistance is available to help my business recover from Hurricane Helene?
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
FloridaCommerce activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $15 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Florida small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. Businesses in Pinellas County, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply.
The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Helene. Interested applicants can apply now through November 24, 2024, or until all available funds are expended.
Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program. Loans of up to $100,000 are available for agriculture and aquaculture small businesses. Loans approved through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer term recovery funding, such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other resources.
Loans made under this program are short-term, zero-interest, personal loans using State of Florida funds. They are not grants and loans must be repaid by the approved applicant.
FloridaCommerce administers the Emergency Bridge Loan Program alongside its fiscal administrator, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation.
Visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to learn more about the program, view the lending guidelines and required documentation, and complete an application by the November 24, 2024, deadline. Business owners who need further program information may call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
U.S. Small Business Administration Physical Disaster Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans
To support businesses who have experienced physical or economic injury from Hurricane Helene, the SBA has activated the Physical Disaster Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
What types of disaster loans are available?
Business Physical Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
When are the application filing deadlines?
For Physical Damage: January 7, 2025
For Economic Injury: June 30, 2025
Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov or other locally announced locations. Please contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by phone at 1-800-659-2955 for further assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Review the Fact Sheet for full details on SBA Disaster Loans.
FloridaCommerce Business and Employee Resources
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton are encouraged to submit a claim at Floridajobs.org.
Florida Tax Relief (PDF)
What should I do with my hurricane debris?
Sand and Storm Debris Cleanup
Each city is managing their own debris pickup program. If you live in a municipality, contact your city or town about the availability of storm debris pickup in your area. If you’re not sure if your property is located within unincorporated Pinellas or within a city/municipality, use the interactive My Neighborhood Services tool at pinellas.gov/my-neighborhood to find out.
What kind of assistance is available for unemployment resulting from Hurricane Helene?
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
FloridaCommerce announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) 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. Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org .
Additionally, work search reporting, waiting week, and Employ Florida registration requirements for Reemployment Assistance claims have been temporarily waived for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Helene in FEMA disaster-declared counties. By waiving these requirements, eligible Floridians will be able to quickly apply and receive Reemployment Assistance and Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits.
DUA is available to those who are ineligible to receive federal or state Reemployment Assistance benefits and the individual meets one of the following requirements:
- Is unemployed as a direct result of the major disaster;
- Was scheduled to start employment but was unable to as a direct result of the major disaster;
- Is unable to reach their job or self-employment location because the individual has to travel through an affected area and is prevented from doing so as a direct result of the major disaster;
- Has become the primary breadwinner because the head of the household died as a direct result of the major disaster; or
- Is unable to work because of an injury that was a direct result of the major disaster.
DUA is available for weeks of unemployment beginning September 29, 2024, through March 29, 2025 , as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster in the designated-disaster areas. The deadline to submit a claim for DUA benefits is no later than December 2, 2024.
To file a claim, go to www.FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim”, visit a local CareerSource Career Center, or call 1-800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For DUA claims information, call 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759) to speak with a representative.
Applications filed after the deadline will be considered untimely and DUA benefits may be denied unless the individual provides good cause. Applicants must submit their Social Security number, check stubs, and documentation to support the claim that they were working or self-employed when the disaster occurred, or evidence substantiating they were unable to begin employment or self-employment due to the disaster. In some cases, additional documentation may be required. To receive DUA benefits, all required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from the date the DUA application is filed.
What type of assistance is available to help me or my employees personally recover from Hurricane Milton?
FEMA
Homeowners and renters who sustained damages or losses from Hurricane Milton or Hurricane
Helene can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. Residents can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov,
using the FEMA app or at 1-800-621-3362.
Visit a Multi Agency Resource Center (for personal/family recovery) in Pinellas County
Botanical Gardens-Magnolia Room, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774. Open Mon. through
Sat. from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Enoch Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33705. Open daily from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
If residents have a need, please contact visit disaster.pinellas.gov or call the Citizens Information Center at (727) 464-4333. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the County Information Center via online chat at bit.ly/PinellasChat
If you need additional assistance with your business, please call the FloridaCommerce/SERT private sector hotline at 850-815-4925, open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or email ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
Visit disaster.pinellas.gov for the latest updates.
Tropical Storm Debby
If you were impacted by Hurricane Debby and are located in Pinellas County, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
What types of disaster loans are available?
Business Physical Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
When are the application filing deadlines?
For Physical Damage: October 9, 2024
For Economic Injury: May 12, 2025
Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov or other locally announced locations. Please contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by phone at 1-800-659-2955 for further assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Prepare Your Business for a Disaster
All businesses, regardless of size, need to be prepared in case of disaster or emergency. The ability of a business to get back up and running after disaster strikes is much easier if steps are taken before the disaster to prepare for such a possibility. Learn more about emergency preparedness and disaster resources for your business.
- Pinellas County Disaster Preparedness
- Florida SBDC Disaster Preparedness & Recovery
- Pinellas County Hurricane Preparedness Guide
- Alert Pinellas Emergency Notification Service
- Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Business Continuity Guide
- Greater Tampa Bay Association of Continuity Professionals
- Florida Division of Emergency Management Links for Business
- Florida Commerce Guide – Protect Your Business: Steps to Disaster Preparedness
- Ready Business Tools from U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
- Private Sector Resources Catalog from the Dept. of Homeland Security
Stay Informed During a Storm
- Use only trusted local information sources for timely, consistent, and reliable updates. Listen to, follow, and like Pinellas County Government (Facebook @PinellasGov and Twitter @PinellasGov); your favorite local news station; and the Tampa Bay National Weather Service forecast office on Facebook or Twitter.
- Monitor local news media, National Weather Service, disaster.pinellas.gov, Facebook @PinellasGov and Twitter @PinellasGov; search hashtag #GetReadyPinellas
- Sign up for Alert Pinellas to receive timely notifications.
- Own and maintain a NOAA weather radio – battery operated or hand crank.
- Sign up for:
Disaster Resources for Businesses Recovery
The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to help small businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.
Types of disaster assistance: