Dear Members, In addition to traditional SBA funding programs, the CARES Act established several new temporary programs to address the COVID-19 outbreak. Please go to https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options for more information on the programs listed below. Paycheck Protection Program This loan program provides loan forgiveness for retaining employees by temporarily expanding the traditional SBA 7(a) loan program. Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties. SBA Express Bridge Loans Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. SBA Debt Relief The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Welcome Center is closed as of Friday March 20th. We will be working remotely from our homes to keep you updated. The health and well-being of our community and local businesses are our No. 1 priority during this unprecedented time. Please like our Facebook Page for up to the minute information @ https://www.facebook.com/Greater-Pine-Island-Chamber-of-Commerce-181770921876671/.

An executive order issued by Governor Ron DeSantis requires all restaurants and food establishments in Florida to be take-out-only. The food establishments are allowed to operate their kitchens, but dining rooms must be closed. People can pick up alcohol from a restaurant, or have it delivered to them from the restaurant, but it is up to the business to decide what types of alcohol they will allow to be sold, according to the Governor's office. Additionally, the Executive Order requires all gymnasiums and fitness centers in Florida to close.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation will enforce the changes and closures. Florida Accepting Applications for Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program is accepting applications for all Florida counties statewide per Executive Order 20-52 for businesses negatively impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19). With an emergency declaration in place, bars and restaurants closing, and steep drops in sales, small businesses across sectors are facing very uncertain times. Until May 8, small business owners with two to 100 employees can apply for loans of up to $50,000. Up to $50 million has been allocated for the program, according to Governor Ron DeSantis. These loans are short-term debt loans made by the state of Florida using public funds. Since they are not grants, Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans require repayment by the approved applicant and the loan will remain interest-free for the term of one year.

To qualify, businesses must have been established before March 9 and be able to demonstrate the impact that the coronavirus has had on their cash flows. Visit https://floridadisasterloan.org/ to learn more. As things develop we will keep you updated. Stay Safe! GPICC Board of Directors & Staff ‌ ‌ ‌ Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce | P.O. Box 325, Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL 33993