Hurricane Milton Update No. 97
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Dec. 26, 2024) - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has received additional money to resume issuing low-interest disaster loans in the aftermath of Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby. Hillsborough County small business owners, homeowners, renters, and nonprofit organizations can get help accessing these low-interest loans locally. The deadline to apply is Jan. 7, 2025.
The SBA continues to partner with the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Hillsborough County and SCORE, a nonprofit business mentoring organization, to enhance the existing Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Hillsborough.
The partnership creates a Business Recovery Assessment Center (BRAC) to provide vital resources to Hillsborough business owners impacted by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.
The BRAC is a one-stop-shop where businesses can receive technical and financial assistance to aid in hurricane recovery and become more resilient in the event of future disasters. SBA disaster loan programs, business mentoring, coaching, and funding strategies will be offered.
The BRAC is located at the Hillsborough County Entrepreneur Collaborative Center (ECC), 2101 E. Palm Ave., Tampa, FL 33605. Call (813) 204-9267.
SBA customer service representatives and SBDC at Hillsborough County specialists are available at the BRAC to assist business owners to complete disaster loan applications, review documents, and provide application update status. Scheduled appointments are not available. Walk-ins are welcome.
Hours of operation:
- Thursday, Dec. 26: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 27: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 28, and Sunday, Dec. 29: Closed
- Monday, Dec. 30: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 31: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Jan. 1: Closed
- Thursday, Jan. 2: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Friday, Jan. 3: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Jan. 4, and Sunday, Jan. 5: Closed
The SBA can also be reached by visiting SBA.gov or by calling (800) 659-2955 between 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
Get Connected. Stay Alert.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to register for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County's official public notification system for emergency and urgent alerts. To receive messages by email, phone, and text, go to HCFL.gov/HCFLAlert. For the latest emergency-related information visit HCFL.gov/StaySafe. Residents without digital access are encouraged to call the County's Customer Service Center at (813) 272-5900 for information.