In partnership with FloridaCommerce, along with the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerSource Northeast Florida is reaching out to employers in our region that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, which both impacted our state over the last two weeks.
If your business was impacted and you need assistance, we urge you to visit the websites listed through these departments within the State of Florida that you may be eligible to access for assistance:
From Florida Department of Commerce:
- The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is available for businesses in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties. This program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Helene. Applicants have until 11/24/24 or until all available funds are expended to apply. For more information, visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL
- The Business Damage Assessment Survey is available for business owners to self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Survey responses allow the state to expedite recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses. Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Helene” from the dropdown menu.
From Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR):
- The Florida Disaster Contractors Network has been activated to connect homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers to perform emergency repairs. DBPR encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with its Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org.
From Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS):
- Agricultural partners can request critical assistance for livestock and animals in critical need, please complete this form and then send it to DAIOPSAssessment@FDACS.gov, or call 863-993-5460.
- UF/IFAS is studying the agricultural losses and damages resulting from Hurricane Helene. Producers can share information about impacts experienced at your farm, ranch, or aquaculture operation athttps://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5sSppcYIu6jyKnY.
- Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and FDACS launched the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program for Florida farmers, ranchers and growers impacted by Hurricane Helene to apply for low-interest and interest-free loans. Loans can be used by eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property – including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings – or to remove vegetative debris. FDACS is securing and providing critical resources to our agricultural producers, such as generators, fencing, feed/water, and veterinary supplies. To apply for a Disaster Recovery Loan, visit https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Agriculture-and-Aquaculture-Producers-Natural-Disaster-Recovery-Loan-Program
From the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL):
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has been approved by the US Department of Labor. DUA is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. In Northeast Florida, DUA is currently available for residents and businesses in Baker, Duval and Putnam Counties. Visit FloridaJobs.org to learn more.
As a reminder, we are only sharing these resources with you – so please contact these agencies directly and they will reach out directly to you.
As always, CareerSource Northeast Florida is here to help you when it comes to promoting your job orders, hosting in-person or virtual hiring events, providing assistance in creating state-certified apprenticeship programs and providing support and funding for eligible training programs to upskill your employees. If we can be of any assistance to you in those areas, please visit our website at https://careersourcenortheastflorida.com/employer/ or contact us toll-free at (888) 702-4396. We are here to help!