HURRICANE IDALIA SERIES | Small Business Support in the Wake of Hurricane Idalia: A Conversation with Secretary Kelly

In the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia, we find ourselves in the Big Bend area of Florida, specifically in Perry, where small businesses are facing the daunting task of recovery. Our focus today is to ensure that small business owners are aware of the multitude of resources available to them in the state of Florida. Joining us on the streets of Perry is Secretary Kelly from the Florida Department of Commerce, a key player in the relief efforts. Secretary Kelly and his team have been tirelessly working to assist Floridians, and today they are stationed in Perry, providing face-to-face support for small business owners. They are offering assistance in reopening businesses, utilizing the emergency Bridge Loan program, and connecting businesses with the Small Business Administration (SBA) for disaster loans. Secretary Kelly shares his background, having recently taken on the role of Secretary of the Department of Commerce after serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor DeSantis. He emphasizes his dual role in overseeing both workforce development and economic support agencies, highlighting the significance of small businesses in Florida, where 99% of businesses are small enterprises. Hurricane Idalia has left a significant impact on Perry, and Secretary Kelly commends the collaborative efforts of various agencies and organizations, including the Florida Department of Commerce. Their mission is clear: to provide essential support to businesses, expedite power restoration, and ensure that every minute counts in the recovery process. One of the critical tools in their arsenal is the Emergency Bridge Loan program, which provides immediate financial relief to businesses, allowing them to keep their doors open and employees paid during the recovery phase. Secretary Kelly also highlights the importance of businesses completing the business damage assessment survey on FloridaDisaster.biz  a vital resource for understanding the real-world impact of disasters on businesses, both in the short and long term. As Secretary Kelly and his team hit the road to connect with communities and offer support where it's needed most, this episode provides a glimpse into the comprehensive efforts being made to help small businesses get back on their feet in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia. Tune in to learn more about the invaluable resources available to Florida's resilient small business community.