On May 10, 2024, a powerful tornado tore through Tallahassee and the Big Bend Area, leaving a trail of destruction in its path. Among the many affected businesses was VeneBites, a family-owned Venezuelan restaurant run by Lida Yajure and her husband Abraham Quinteno. The tornado caused major damage to their building, destroyed essential equipment, and left the restaurant owners facing the devastating prospect of closing their doors due to the insurmountable cost of making the necessary repairs without financial assistance. Determined to repair the damage, rebuild the exterior structure, and replace the outside seating area, Lida turned (for help) to the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at FAMU.
A Guiding Hand
Lida contacted the local Florida SBDC hosted by FAMU, where she was introduced to Helena Hubbard, a seasoned business consultant with expertise in disaster recovery. “After the tornado, I applied for assistance but was denied twice. I didn’t know where else to go or what else could be done,” Lida shared. “Helena walked me through everything, step-by-step. She conducted a detailed assessment of my financials and the tornado’s impact on the business. Together, we identified the Florida Emergency Bridge Loan Program as a critical lifeline to cover urgent repairs and operational costs. She gave me hope and direction when it was needed the most.”
Streamlining the Process
Applying for an emergency bridge loan can be an intimidating process, but Lida found a trusted partner in the Florida SBDC. Helena helped her gather the required documents, including damage assessments, financial records, and business reports.
“Helena made sure my application was complete and error-free,” Lida said. “I felt confident knowing I had her support throughout the process.”
Thanks to their teamwork, Lida’s third application was approved quickly, and she received the funds needed to begin the restaurant’s recovery within a couple of weeks!
A Community Lifeline
“I’m so grateful to the Florida SBDC,” Lida said. “They weren’t just helping me—they were helping our entire community get back on its feet. I encourage any small business owner who’s facing a crisis to reach out to them. Their support is priceless.”
Lida’s story highlights the Florida SBDC’s commitment to empowering small businesses in the aftermath of disasters. With their expertise and guidance, business owners like Lida can turn setbacks into stories of resilience and success.