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.

• New Location – The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center has been moved to the Manatee County Agriculture Extension Office at 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, 34221 from  7 AM – 7 PM daily. Representatives can help answer questions about disaster recovery, give referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance, and check the status of application(s) being processed by FEMA or other agencies. Note: You must bring a valid photo ID. You can access FEMA online by going to DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362, or downloading the FEMA app.
• An Insurance Village is open at Bradenton City Hall, Auditorium Building at 101 12th Street West, Bradenton, 34205. The regular hours are 9 AM – 5 PM. You can read more information HERE.

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 and/or Milton.
      • Hurricane Milton Loan Programs Information Sheet – You can download a loan comparison sheet from the State of Florida and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This sheet contains quick facts about the programs, purposes, maximum amounts, areas of the state that are eligible, loan terms, interest rates, collateral requirements, and application deadlines. Click on Hurricane Milton Loan Programs. You can also learn more and find disaster assistance at SBDCTAMPABAY.COM.
      • 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 Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
      • 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 and/or Milton, 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.
      • Season of Sharing – You can request help through Season of Sharing which helps provide a financial bridge for those who could be displaced from their homes or face disruptions from work. Season of Sharing covers expenses related to housing, utilities, transportation, and child care to help avoid compounding financial setbacks that can be the result of a missed payment. To request help, those in need should call 2-1-1—United Way’s hotline that assists potential clients in finding the appropriate agency—or work with a social worker.
      • Suncoast Cares 2-1-1 Helpline (provided by your local United Way)  – 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 and/or Milton, 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 Hurricanes Helene & Milton?

  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 Season of Sharing Campaign. 100% of your donation goes directly to helping families stay in their homes.
  • Donate to the Manatee Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund