Downtown South, a 501c3 Orlando Main Street organization, has organized this guide. It is intended to be a comprehensive collection of currently available resources for locally affected businesses and employees of the Pulse tragedy. If you know of available resources that are not listed here, please email sarah@downtownsouthorlando.org with information. Updated 6/28/16.
US SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
BUSINESS RECOVERY CENTER
LONG-TERM / LOW INTEREST LOANS
The Business Recovery Center will be opening assist small businesses and nonprofit organizations in applying for low-interest disaster loans. The loans are available due to the SBA disaster declaration as a result of the Pulse attack on June 12, 2016.
Located at:
Beardall Senior Center
800 Delaney Avenue
Opens: Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 8 a.m.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed: Weekends and Monday, July 4 in recognition of Independence Day
SBA’s Customer Service Center: 800-659-2955 (800-877- 8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing);
disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
Loan applications can be downloaded from www.sba.gov. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
FLORIDA SMALL BUSINESS
EMERGENCY BRIDGE LOAN PROGRAM
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program has been activated to provide a source of rapid cash flow to small businesses in Orange County that have been physically and/or economically impacted by the Pulse shooting.
These short-term, interest-free working capital loans are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources, such as sufficient profits from a revived business, receipt of payments on insurance claims or federal disaster assistance.
The Emergency Bridge Loan Program is not designed to be the primary source of assistance to affected small businesses, which is why eligibility is linked to pursuit of other sources. PLEASE NOTE: this program provides a short-term loan of State of Florida public funds, not a grant, with the expectation that repayment will be made out of receipts from other sources of longer term disaster recovery assistance.
For questions regarding administration of the Emergency Bridge Loan Program as well as instructions for application submissions, please contact the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Central Florida at (407) 420-4850. www.floridadisasterloan.org
ORANGE COUNTY EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE
The Orange County Family Services Department provides rent and/or utility assistance for Orange County residents who need help paying their rent or utilities due to circumstances beyond their control. Orange County will provide one month’s rent or utility assistance to any Orange County residents who work at one of the businesses that have been closed due to the shooting. Please call 407-836-6514 to request assistance.
ORLANDO UNITED ASSISTANCE CENTER
COUNSELING SERVICES AND MORE
The City of Orlando in partnership with Orange County Government, has opened the Orlando United Assistance Center (OUAC) to serve as a navigation point to assess the needs, provide information, support and resources to those directly affected by the Pulse tragedy.
Culturally-experienced representatives from the Hispanic and LGBT communities will be available.
Everyone impacted by the tragedy will be helped. This center will provide long-term support and assistance to those in need.
To ensure families and individuals are provided the one-on-one support they need, an appointment is recommended.
APPOINTMENTS
There are TWO WAYS to make your appointment for personalized service.
- Call 407.500.HOPE
- Fill out the intake form (click here)
HOURS OF OPERATION
Thursday, June 23, 3 – 8 p.m.
Friday, June 24, 3 – 8 p.m.
Regular hours begin Monday, June 27
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
LOCATION
507 East Michigan Street
Orlando, FL 32806
Corner of Osceola Avenue and East Michigan Street
Fax: 407.245.0389