Business Relief

Business Owners Text TAMPABIZ to 888-777

The City of Tampa understands the burden many of our small businesses are facing due to coronavirus. We are currently assembling an Economic Relief Task Force to proactively identify business relief efforts and alleviate the burden of COVID-19.

Below you will find some helpful resources for business owners. We will update this page periodically as new resources become available.

For updates on business resources, text TAMPABIZ to 888-777.

Business owners seeking more information about the Safer at Home Executive Order and how it impacts businesses in Hillsborough County, please call the Hillsborough County Entrepreneur Collaborative Center at (813) 204-9267.

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan

On March 16, 2020, Governor DeSantis announced the opening of a $50 million disaster bridge loan. This provides zero-interest loans of up-to $50,000 for businesses that have been in business before March 9, 2020. As of March 26, 2020, the application process has changed. Effective immediately, eligible small businesses interested in applying for the Bridge Loan program should apply for the program through one of two ways:

Apply online and upload required supporting documentation or
Download an application, complete it and mail it with the required supporting documentation to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) at: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, C/O Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan, 107 E. Madison Street, MSC-160, Tallahassee FL 32399-4120.

Note: Small businesses that already applied should not submit an additional application.

Tampa’s businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible at https://floridadisasterloan.org. These funds are limited. For more assistance, call the Florida SBDC at USF at 813-905-5800. You can also contact the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity toll-free at 833-832-4494 or email FloridaBusinessLoanFund@deo.myflorida.com.

Applications must be completed by May 8, 2020.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)

With a massive $2 trillion allocated for businesses, individuals, federal agencies, and state and local governments, the CARES Act has been designed to distribute capital quickly and broadly. This includes the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans, Emergency Economic Injury Grants, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), Debt Relief for Existing and New SBA Borrowers and more. A Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act from the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship is available for download.

Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey

Business owners are asked to business participate in the Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey. The results from this survey will allow Governor DeSantis to request that the federal government declare Hillsborough County a federal disaster area, which will open up additional sources of business funding through the Small Business Administration, FEMA and federal agencies.

Disaster Loan Assistance Program

Beginning January 31, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration began offering federal disaster loans for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters under the Disaster Loan Assistance program. Visit the Disaster Loan Assistance program for more information and to apply online.

Tampa’s Recovery Hotline

For additional questions related to Business Relief, call our Tampa’s Recovery Hotline at 1-833-TPA-INFO (1-833-872-4636) or visit our Business Relief FAQ page.