Disaster Resources for Businesses

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting our members and the broader community, especially during challenging times such as tropical storms, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Recognizing that Hurricane Season spans from June 1 to November 30 in our region, we are committed to providing essential resources, timely information, and unwavering support to ensure the safety and resilience of our community. Together, we navigate these challenges, fostering a spirit of unity and preparedness.

Where Can I Go for Help For My Business & My Employees?

After a tropical storm or hurricane, several resources are available to assist with recovery. Click on the links below for more information.

• • • • FloridaCommerce – Business Damage Assessment Survey – Submit data and information related to damages and disaster impacts to your business or organization.
      • FloridaCommerce – Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program Application – Short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer-term recovery funding.
      • Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance – Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – SBA disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Helene.
      • Agriculture & Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program – Low-interest or interest-free loans to agricultural and aquaculture producers who have experienced damage from a declared natural disaster.
      • Florida Small Business Development Corporation (FSBDC) Business Continuity and Disaster Preparedness – Florida SBDC Mobile Assistance Centers (MAC) are equipped with laptops, printers, and Internet access. Florida SBDC at USF consultants use the MACs as workspaces to help businesses prepare disaster loan applications and address other post-disaster challenges.
      • FloridaDisaster.biz – Information about preparedness resources, current disaster updates, and access to recovery programs, supports the private sector during emergencies so that they can make the best decisions for their employees and business operations.
      • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – The main page for FEMA’s Resources and Information regarding Hurricane Helene.
      • FloridaCommerce Disaster Unemployment Assistance – If you lost your job or had a break in your employment, self-employment, or business as a direct result of Hurricane Helene, you might be able to get benefit money from Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
      • DisasterAssistance.gov – Apply for FEMA disaster assistance and find other resources to help you recover.
      • Manatee County 3-1-1  – Manatee 3-1-1 provides a central contact point for citizens to report an issue, request a service, seek information/referrals, and direct complaints, compliments, and suggestions regarding government service.
      • Suncoast Cares 2-1-1 Helpline – Turn to 2-1-1 for information and support—for financial assistance, health programs, crisis support and more. You can access 2-1-1 by phone, email, chat, or text (just text your zip code to 898-211).
      • Disaster Distress Helpline – National hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling.
      • National Flood Insurance Program – If you have flood insurance from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program and experienced flooding during Hurricane Helene, visit How Do I Start My Claim to learn more about how to file your flood insurance claim.

   

  How Can I Help My Community After Hurricane Helene?

  This section will be updated with new opportunities as they become available.

  • Manatee County Government is looking for any and all post-storm recovery services. This includes but is not limited to, debris clean up and hauling, services for clearing roads, temporary housing, utility restoration, mental health services, financial assistance programs, public health services, building inspection services, and community engagement programs. You can find all Vendor Disaster Recovery Services information requirements and forms HERE. Once you have completed all forms, they can be emailed to recovermanatee@mymanatee.org for review and processing. You will be contacted if your services are required. We appreciate your support through this unprecedented time.
  • The Center of Anna Maria Island is serving as a headquarters for supplies and volunteers for our island communities. Go to their Facebook Page for more information.
  • Donate to the Manatee Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund.
  • Volunteer opportunities are also available through Neighborhood Connections with Manatee County Government.