Governor Ron DeSantis today announced the Department of Economic Opportunity has awarded the first Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan for agricultural producers following Hurricane Michael to John P. Jordan Farm in Bascom, Florida. The Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan was activated to provide relief to Florida farmers whose crops were damaged by the storm.
“Hurricane Michael decimated crops and left long-lasting impacts across Northwest Florida,” said Governor DeSantis. “Assisting farmers as they prepare for the upcoming growing season is a critical step in ensuring future resiliency for Floridians. This loan is part of the process to helping agricultural producers get back on their feet.”
“We are so fortunate to have a Governor who is looking out for our farmers,” said Senator George Gainer. “This is a great program to help get their crops in the ground immediately and expedite the recovery process of the damage done from Hurricane Michael. Thank you, Governor DeSantis.”
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) administers the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program with the Florida Small Business Development Center Network and Florida First Capital Finance Corporation to provide cash flow to businesses damaged by a disaster.
The Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan is a short term, interest-free loan program available to agricultural producers located in designated disaster areas that experienced physical and/or economic damaged as a result of Hurricane Michael.
“We are ready to continue working with Governor DeSantis to help with ongoing recovery efforts in the Florida Panhandle,” said DEO Executive Director Ken Lawson. “The Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan allows farmers who were impacted by Hurricane Michael prepare for the upcoming growing seasons.”
On October 10, Hurricane Michael made landfall and destroyed homes and Florida farmers’ crops. John P. Jordan Farm has been serving the Bascom community since 2002 and grows peanuts and cotton to be distributed throughout Florida and Georgia.
“We are so grateful to Governor DeSantis for activating the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan for the upcoming growing season. We also want to thank the farmers and the community of Jackson County for advocating for this program,” said John and Cindy Jordan. “This loan will help us restore our crops and create a more resilient farm land.”
To learn how apply for the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan, please visit FloridaDisasterLoan.org.
