Pinellas County is working with federal agencies to provide help for local businesses affected by Hurricane Irma.

  • Small Business Administration opens recovery center in Pinellas
  • SBA reps can provide info 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday
  • Low-interest, long-term disaster loans available through SBA
  • FULL COVERAGE: Hurricane Irma: After the Storm

The U.S. Small Business Administration opened a Business Recovery Center at Pinellas County Economic Development at St. Petersburg College's EpiCenter to assist Pinellas County businesses impacted by the storm. 

SBA representatives at the center can provide information about disaster loans, answer questions and assist businesses in completing the SBA application. The center is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The SBA offers low-interest, long-term disaster loans for physical damage and working capital. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Nov. 9, 2017. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 11, 2018.

  • Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via the SBA's secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
  • Loan applications can be downloaded from https://www.sba.gov/ and must be returned to a recovery cent or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76155.
  • To receive additional information on the disaster loan program, call the SBA's Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-977-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Businesses that suffered physical damage and need financial help while waiting for SBA assistance can also contact Pinellas County Economic Development about applying for Florida's emergency bridge loan program. Please visit PCED.org/Irma.

Pinellas County companies requiring assistance with Bridge Loans can call (727) 453-7200. For assistance with other items, call Economic Development's main line at (727) 464-7332.

Businesses are encouraged to report any damage from Hurricane Irma through the Florida Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center. This is the primary portal for private sector damage assessments and recovery. The information provided in this survey will be shared among various state and local agencies to expedite implementation of appropriate disaster relief programs for businesses. Visit PCED.org/damage.

Pinellas County citizens can get updates on Irma recovery efforts by visiting www.pinellascounty.org.