HURRICANE IAN RECOVERY RESOURCES
If your small business sustained physical or economic damages as a result of Hurricane Ian, the first step you should take is to fill out a Business Damage Assessment Survey. The survey is NOT an application for assistance or resource, but it will help state and local government agencies know where the businesses are that need assistance. If you need assistance with the survey or your business, please call (850) 815-4925 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. or email [email protected]
Manatee County's Economic Development team leads our Business, Industry and Economic Stabilization Recovery team which is comprised of our local chambers of commerce, the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, CareerSource Suncoast and other agencies devoted to assisting small business. Together this team communicates regularly with local businesses in Manatee County to provide information, resources and direct assistance.
FLORIDADISASTER.BIZ
DEO is updating www.FloridaDisaster.biz with real-time information for business owners, families, and employees throughout the preparation, response and recovery phases of Hurricane Ian.
Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM)
FDEM has activated the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) to provide an additional resource for Floridians to receive up-to-date information regarding Hurricane Ian. Residents and visitors can call this toll-free hotline at 1-800-342-3557.
Bookmark this page for coming updates on Ian-related recovery resources.
Other helpful LINKS:
Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Disaster Unemployment Assistance
SBA - Small Business Loans
Dislocated Worker Grant Program
Other Resources
General information
When local emergency management officials and law enforcement have determined the area is safe and secure for the private sector to re-enter following a disaster, the focus will shift to community recovery. Once you can return to your business location, it is important to document the damage sustained during the disaster. If you can re-enter your facility and the damage is minor, make temporary repairs to correct safety hazards and to minimize further damage.
Take photographs or video of all damage prior to making repairs for future business damage assessments. Contact your insurance company immediately and arrange to meet an adjuster as soon as possible. As you make repairs, keep all documentation and receipts to provide to your insurance company. Only hire licensed contractors certified by the state and your local jurisdiction. If the contractor requests you pull the permit, it may be an indication that he is not properly licensed and is not entitled to permitting privileges.
You can verify a contractor’s license at www.MyFloridaLicense.com.
Economic assistance (business loans) for private sector businesses may be available based on the magnitude of the disaster and overall economic impact to the community.
In the event of a disaster, the Business Damage Assessment Survey may be activated.
The purpose of this survey is for the state to obtain data regarding the economic situation in an area affected by a disaster. This information will provide valuable economic impact information to the state and federal government as economic assistance options are evaluated. Businesses are encouraged to complete the on-line survey.
The Florida SBDC Network can help your business recover from a disaster. In addition, the SBDC and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity partner on the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, an interest-free, short-term loan program to help businesses recover quickly after a disaster.
Need a Plan?
Ready.gov
FloridaDisaster.org