New relief available for Florida businesses impacted by hurricanes
The US is waking up this morning to seismic news that Donald Trump will return to the White House after a historic election victory over Kamala Harris.
It remains to be seen what direction the second Trump presidency will take, but Florida — the US boating hub — made its feelings clear at the polls, with Trump winning a decisive 56.1 per cent share of the votes, compared to Harris’ 43 per cent, to take the state’s 30 electoral college votes.
While the election dominates the news cycle, the Sunshine State is still reeling from the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which barrelled through in late September and mid-October, causing huge destruction.
Financial damages are still being counted, but the latest estimates put both storms at $50bn, making them among the most costly hurricanes in US history. Many marine businesses in Florida have been impacted by the storms.
As a reaction to the unprecedented damage done to businesses in Florida, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF) has announced the launch of the Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant Program.
The new initiative, organised in collaboration with American Express, aims to support Florida’s small businesses impacted by the storm, providing crucial financial assistance for recovery efforts.
The programme offers $5,000 per eligible business, with a total of 1,000 grants available, amounting to $5m. To qualify, businesses must be Florida-based, have between 1 and 25 employees, and be affected by the recent hurricanes.
Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply promptly, as funding is limited. For further information, including complete eligibility requirements and application guidance, businesses can visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s official webpage.
The application process requires submitting an online grant application and IRS form W-9 before 17 November 2024. Only one application per business is allowed. Applicants will be notified of their grant status by 13 December 2024. If awarded, businesses must attest to losses not covered by insurance, and all funds will be transferred via ACH to the provided banking account.
The post New relief available for Florida businesses impacted by hurricanes appeared first on Marine Industry News.
