New Bridge Loan to Aid Small Businesses Waiting on SBA, Insurance Funds

ORLANDO, Fla. – While small business owners are waiting on funding from the SBA or insurance companies, a new loan program may help them in the interim.Fairwinds Credit Union along with several banks and community resources are providing loan applications for a new state program for Hurricane Charley victims. The Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans program has allocated $1 million to Orange and Seminole counties here and is designed for businesses waiting on U.S. Small Business Administration or insurance dollars. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $25,000 in short-term, interest-free loans from the state. The length of the loan will be set between 90 and 180 days based on the specific situation facing the business. If approved, applicants will receive their funds within three working days of their application submission. Applications are also available at AmSouth, Orlando; Banco Popular; Bank of America, Winter Park; BankFIRST; BB&T, Orlando; Disney/SBA National Entrepreneur Center, Orlando; Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission; RBC Centura Bank; Riverside Bank of Central Florida; Seminole County Economic Development Office, Sanford; SouthTrust Bank and SunTrust Bank. Florida First Capital Financing Corp. is administering the programs for Orange and Seminole counties.