In response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, The Greenhouse has mobilized our team and resources to swiftly support St. Petersburg businesses. We understand the urgency and are ready to provide immediate assistance:
1. The Greenhouse Navigation Services offer on-site visits to assess storm impact on St. Pete businesses and ensure owners are informed of storm recovery support. A navigator will assess your business and connect you with tailored resources and solutions to support your recovery and resiliency.
2. Report Business Damages. Complete the survey online at www.floridadisaster.biz and select the named storm from the dropdown menu. No need to know the exact dollar value of your costs, an estimate is fine.
3. The FSBDC’s Pinellas Mobile Assistance Center is open 10/14-10/17 from 10 AM-3 PM at the Tradewinds, 5500 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706. FSBDC staff will assist business applications with the following:
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- the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
- the SBA Physical Disaster Loan
- the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
Walk-ins welcome; no appointments needed.
Pinellas County offices remain closed for ongoing disaster recovery efforts, but PCED staff remain in the Emergency Operations Center. For assistance, please call (727) 464-4333. Can’t make it there? Request a consulting appointment: www.floridasbdc.org/request-for-consulting
4. SBA Disaster Assistance Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has activated Physical Disaster Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
Deadlines for filing loan applications:
- Hurricane Milton: Physical Property Damage: 12/10/24; Economic Injury 7/11/25
- Hurricane Helene: Physical Property Damage: 11/27/24; Economic Injury 6/30/25
Submit applications online using the MySBA Loan Portal at www.lending.sba.gov. Please contact SBA’s Customer Service Center by email, www.disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or phone, 1-800-659-2955.
5. Help for Individuals and Families After a Disaster: http://www.disasterassistance.gov
6. Emergency Preparedness & Recovery Resources:
- City of St. Pete’s Hurricane Center: www.stpete.org/residents/public_safety/hurricane_center.php for comprehensive hurricane preparedness guides and resources.
- City of St. Pete’s Hurricane Helene Recovery Assistance: www.stpete.org/Helene
- The Greenhouse’s Disaster Planning and Recovery: www.stpetegreenhouse.com/recovery for essential business continuity resources .