Florida SBDC Network Headquarters (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance, is pleased to join U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), in partnership with federal and state agencies, charitable organizations, and companies, in hosting a series of comprehensive recovery centers next week for businesses and individuals impacted by Hurricane Irma.
Representatives from all facets of recovery, including the American Red Cross, United Way of Florida, and FEMA, will be available to answer questions and provide assistance.
“My office stands ready to assist the people of Florida as they recover and rebuild after the devastation of Hurricane Irma,” said Senator Rubio. “I’ve seen firsthand the damage inflicted across the state, and it is my hope that these assistance centers will bring some relief for Floridians who suffered hardship from the storm. I would also like to thank all of the organizations, companies, and government agencies who are participating in this effort for their willingness and assistance during this difficult time. The people of Florida are resilient and I know that together we will get through these tough times. My office and I are here to help you.”
As a principal responder in the state's Emergency Support Function for Business & Industry, the Florida SBDC Network is a key economic development organization that helps small businesses prepare, respond, and recover from disasters through its Business Continuation services.
As part of its service offering, the Florida SBDC Network deploys its emergency response Mobile Assistance Centers (MACs) - two 38' RV equipped with laptops, printers, internet capabilities, and more - into affected communities to provide on-site assistance.
As part of the event, Florida SBDC disaster specialists will provide on-site assistance to small businesses via its MAC in applying for federal and state disaster loans and with other post-disaster challenges.
“We are proud to join Senator Rubio and our state, federal, and local partners to provide a comprehensive location for Floridians to find the resources they need to rebuild their lives, their homes, and their businesses,” said Michael Myhre, CEO and Network State Director of the Florida SBDC. “The Florida SBDC Network stands ready to assist our state’s small businesses in applying for federal and state disaster loan assistance to rebuild and to reopen.”
The Florida SBDC’s Mobile Assistance Center and disaster specialists will be available from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. EDT next week at the following locations:
Monday, September 18th
St. Johns County Administration Building
500 San Sebastian View
St. Augustine, FL 32804
Tuesday, September 19th
Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center
1000 Water Street
Jacksonville, FL 32204
Wednesday, September 20th
New Hope Ministries
7675 Davis Blvd
Naples, FL 34104
Thursday, September 21st
Lee County Veterans Park Recreation Center
55 Homestead Road South
Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
Friday, September 22nd
RCMA Immokalee Community School
123 N 4th Street
Immokalee, FL 34142
For a complete list of confirmed participating organizations, companies, and federal and state agencies, please click here.
For questions about state and federal disaster loan assistance available for small businesses, and how the Florida SBDC can help, please contact the Florida SBDC Network at (850) 898-3489 or Disaster@FloridaSBDC.org. The phone line will be answered during regular business hours; all voicemails and emails will be responded to within 24 hours.
