Post Storm Recovery Resources, Member Support, Community Response & Financial Aid - September 30
Dear Valued Members & Friends,
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the South Tampa Chamber extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected by the storm. Our thoughts are with our community as we come together to support one another during this challenging time. We understand the impact this storm may have on businesses, residents, and local services.
The Chamber is committed to helping our community recover and rebuild, and we encourage businesses to reach out for resources and assistance available through local and state agencies. We also urge everyone to support our local businesses as they begin the recovery process.
In the coming days, we will be coordinating with partners to provide additional updates on recovery efforts and ways the community can get involved. Together, we will emerge stronger and more resilient.
South Tampa Chamber Member to Member Gift Card Drive
Connecting with members during the initial aftermath, we have begun to identify members who are in need assistance due to severe damage or loss of their homes. We are facilitating a gift card drive to assist these members in need. Gift cards will be collected October 1-31, 2024. Distribution will be first come, first served as available. If you are a member in need, please contact ceo@southtampachamber.org.​
Click here for more information or visit our Amazon List to send gift cards directly to the Chamber office for distribution.
MEMBERS IN NEED OF SERVICES
Members in need of personal or business support, please click here and complete a short form to help us match you with services.
MEMBERS OFFERING SUPPORT AND SERVICES
Members who can offer support or services, please click here to share more about how you can help.
CHAMBER MEMBER PROMOTIONS
All members are encouraged to post your business services, including any special offers or discounts on the Chamber’s Member Promotions Page here.
Business Damage Assessment Survey
URGENT: The State of Florida has opened the Business Damage Assessment Survey for Hurricane Helene. Please take a moment to complete the survey. Completing the survey helps to ensure the appropriate services are available during recovery.
Hillsborough County Recovery
Hillsborough County Hurricane Helene Damage Reporting Form
The Hurricane Helene Damage Reporting Form is designed to help officials determine the extent of damage across the county. Homeowners and owners/renters of agricultural properties, nonprofits, and houses of worship should complete this form, which will help County staff assess the extent of damage in Hillsborough County. HCFL.gov/DamageAssessment The information will be routed to the appropriate County department, which will respond within 72 hours.
Hillsborough County Property Appraiser
Following a hurricane, storm, flood and other natural disaster, Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez and his office stand ready to help you through the assessment process. The HCPA strives to ensure you are able to take advantage of any protections due you by state law when making repairs to or replacing your property. Please fill out the information requested below and someone from our office will contact you as soon as possible to assist with any property tax benefit entitled to you. https://dmz.hcpafl.org/storm/
Financial Assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Disaster declaration for Florida has been approved by the President. Residents & business owners in the designated areas are eligible for federal assistance. Apply via www.disasterassistance.gov.
Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
Businesses across Hillsborough County that were impacted by Hurricane Helene can now apply to the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. The Emergency Bridge Loan program, which is administered by the Florida Department of Commerce, provides 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 such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other resources. Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program. Loans of up to $100,000 are available for agriculture and aquaculture small businesses. Visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to learn more about the program, view the lending guidelines and required documentation, and complete an application by the November 24, 2024 deadline. Business owners who need further program information may call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in Florida following the announcement of a Presidential Disaster Declaration due to Hurricane Helene. Detailed information and applications are available on the SBA Disaster Assistance Page. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 27, 2024. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 30, 2025.
Disaster Recovery Center
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM), and Hillsborough County have opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Hillsborough Community College (HCC) at The Regent located at 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview, FL 33578. Representatives from FEMA, the Florida Small Business Administration (SBA), and stakeholders, will be present to assist residents who want to file a FEMA application for Individual Assistance through the Individual and Households Program (IHP) for Hurricane Helene. Hours of operation: Monday, Sept. 30, 1-6 p.m. | Tuesday, Oct. 1 through Sunday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Disaster Recovery Services
Disaster Help Desk for Business
The US Chamber’s Disaster Help Desk provides one-on-one expert assistance to small business owners before, during, and after a disaster strikes. The Disaster Help Desk team is connected to a vast network of disaster-assistance providers, including the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), and local/regional emergency management associations. Since 2007, the Disaster Help Desk team has advised thousands of small businesses nationwide. Contact at 1-888-MY-BIZ-HELP or complete the form HERE.
Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County
Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County disaster recovery specialists are available to provide confidential, no-cost consulting to help affected businesses prepare disaster loan applications and with other post-disaster challenges. Florida SBDC disaster specialists work alongside SBA business loan specialists to provide information about resources available and assist businesses in completing state and federal disaster loan applications. The Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County can be reached at HCFL.Gov/FSBDC or (813) 204-9267, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Other Resources
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the South Tampa Chamber extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected by the storm. Our thoughts are with our community as we come together to support one another during this challenging time. We understand the impact this storm may have on businesses, residents, and local services.
The Chamber is committed to helping our community recover and rebuild, and we encourage businesses to reach out for resources and assistance available through local and state agencies. We also urge everyone to support our local businesses as they begin the recovery process.
In the coming days, we will be coordinating with partners to provide additional updates on recovery efforts and ways the community can get involved. Together, we will emerge stronger and more resilient.
South Tampa Chamber Member to Member Gift Card Drive
Connecting with members during the initial aftermath, we have begun to identify members who are in need assistance due to severe damage or loss of their homes. We are facilitating a gift card drive to assist these members in need. Gift cards will be collected October 1-31, 2024. Distribution will be first come, first served as available. If you are a member in need, please contact ceo@southtampachamber.org.​
Click here for more information or visit our Amazon List to send gift cards directly to the Chamber office for distribution.
MEMBERS IN NEED OF SERVICES
Members in need of personal or business support, please click here and complete a short form to help us match you with services.
MEMBERS OFFERING SUPPORT AND SERVICES
Members who can offer support or services, please click here to share more about how you can help.
CHAMBER MEMBER PROMOTIONS
All members are encouraged to post your business services, including any special offers or discounts on the Chamber’s Member Promotions Page here.
Business Damage Assessment Survey
URGENT: The State of Florida has opened the Business Damage Assessment Survey for Hurricane Helene. Please take a moment to complete the survey. Completing the survey helps to ensure the appropriate services are available during recovery.
Hillsborough County Recovery
Hillsborough County Hurricane Helene Damage Reporting Form
The Hurricane Helene Damage Reporting Form is designed to help officials determine the extent of damage across the county. Homeowners and owners/renters of agricultural properties, nonprofits, and houses of worship should complete this form, which will help County staff assess the extent of damage in Hillsborough County. HCFL.gov/DamageAssessment The information will be routed to the appropriate County department, which will respond within 72 hours.
Hillsborough County Property Appraiser
Following a hurricane, storm, flood and other natural disaster, Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez and his office stand ready to help you through the assessment process. The HCPA strives to ensure you are able to take advantage of any protections due you by state law when making repairs to or replacing your property. Please fill out the information requested below and someone from our office will contact you as soon as possible to assist with any property tax benefit entitled to you. https://dmz.hcpafl.org/storm/
Financial Assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Disaster declaration for Florida has been approved by the President. Residents & business owners in the designated areas are eligible for federal assistance. Apply via www.disasterassistance.gov.
Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
Businesses across Hillsborough County that were impacted by Hurricane Helene can now apply to the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. The Emergency Bridge Loan program, which is administered by the Florida Department of Commerce, provides 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 such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other resources. Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program. Loans of up to $100,000 are available for agriculture and aquaculture small businesses. Visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to learn more about the program, view the lending guidelines and required documentation, and complete an application by the November 24, 2024 deadline. Business owners who need further program information may call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in Florida following the announcement of a Presidential Disaster Declaration due to Hurricane Helene. Detailed information and applications are available on the SBA Disaster Assistance Page. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 27, 2024. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 30, 2025.
Disaster Recovery Center
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM), and Hillsborough County have opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Hillsborough Community College (HCC) at The Regent located at 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview, FL 33578. Representatives from FEMA, the Florida Small Business Administration (SBA), and stakeholders, will be present to assist residents who want to file a FEMA application for Individual Assistance through the Individual and Households Program (IHP) for Hurricane Helene. Hours of operation: Monday, Sept. 30, 1-6 p.m. | Tuesday, Oct. 1 through Sunday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Disaster Recovery Services
Disaster Help Desk for Business
The US Chamber’s Disaster Help Desk provides one-on-one expert assistance to small business owners before, during, and after a disaster strikes. The Disaster Help Desk team is connected to a vast network of disaster-assistance providers, including the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), and local/regional emergency management associations. Since 2007, the Disaster Help Desk team has advised thousands of small businesses nationwide. Contact at 1-888-MY-BIZ-HELP or complete the form HERE.
Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County
Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County disaster recovery specialists are available to provide confidential, no-cost consulting to help affected businesses prepare disaster loan applications and with other post-disaster challenges. Florida SBDC disaster specialists work alongside SBA business loan specialists to provide information about resources available and assist businesses in completing state and federal disaster loan applications. The Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County can be reached at HCFL.Gov/FSBDC or (813) 204-9267, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Other Resources
- We are updating our South Tampa Chamber Blog with daily updates HERE.
- Visit the South Tampa Chamber’s Hurricane Resources page HERE for a full list of available resources.
- IRS Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief for Individuals and Businesses
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Disaster Recovery Quick Guides
- Federal Emergency Management Agency Hurricane Tips
- Florida Commerce Disaster Planning Toolkit
Consumer Awareness
Price Gouging Hotline
State law prohibits an unconscionable increase in the price of essential commodities needed as a direct result of a declared state of emergency due to a hurricane or other natural disaster. What constitutes an essential commodity may change depending on the length and the nature of a declared state of emergency. Learn more here.
Consumer Alert for Post-Hurricane Scams
Following a disaster like Hurricane Helene, qualified contractors are usually in high demand and become booked up for months. Scammers or unqualified out-of-state workers may flood in to take advantage of Floridians in need of legitimate service. If property is damaged from the storm, follow these tips when hiring a contractor.
Check to see if a company is properly licensed, insured and if there are any consumer complaints filed against a licensed contractor at MyFloridaLicense.com.
Donations & Support
South Tampa Chamber Member to Member Gift Card Drive for Hurricane Helene
STCOC Member Laurel & Jack at 4129 S. MacDill (next to Spa Jardin and the Potting Shed) will be a donation/pickup location for household items, clothing, small furniture, lamps etc. for those in need. Hours of operation will be 10am-8pm Monday through Saturday. Details can be found at https://www.facebook.com/laurelandjack.
The Tampa Bay Times has provided an extensive list how to help Hurricane Helene victims in Tampa Bay and beyond.
83Degrees Media has reported about Tampa Bay nonprofits, community groups mobilize for post-Helene relief and recovery effort.
Feeding Tampa Bay and community partner organizations have daily emergency response food and resources in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Pasco counties. Feeding Tampa Bay also has volunteer opportunities available for community members looking to help in the relief effort. For more information, go to Feeding Tampa Bay resources and volunteer opportunities
Metropolitan Ministries works with 65 neighborhood partners to help families across Tampa Bay. Donations go toward helping people access food, water, shelter and supplies after Helene. metromin.org.
The Florida Disaster Fund is the official private fund from the state dedicated to helping communities responding to disaster. Learn more here.