Post Hurricane Irma Help: 4 Things Florida Business Owners Should Know
As our community gets back to normal following Hurricane Irma, many small businesses have suffered more than physical damages. They suffered lost infrastructure, missed or looming deadlines, and a change in the flow of business – whether it be a slowdown or increased urgency to service your clients. We will get through this and it will be business as usual again shortly. But still, here are a few tidbits of information that you might find helpful as you find solid footing again:
Creditors are working with individuals.
Many creditors are waiving late fees and will not report delinquent credit from up to 90 days. Some are offering mortgage forbearance for up to a year. You should contact your lender to find out details.
File insurance claims promptly.
Insurance Information Institute recommends that you file your insurance claims as quickly as possible for speed up processing.
Bridge Loans are available for businesses impacted.
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program was activated by Governor Rick Scott to support small businesses affected by Hurricane Irma. The bridge loan program is managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). They’ll provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced physical or economic damage during the storm.
The loans isn’t intended to make up for lost revenue. Instead, the money is meant to help business owners stay afloat until insurance payments or regular revenues kick in. The application period is through Oct. 31, 2017. Read more
IRS: Deadline extended for businesses and individuals that filed extensions.
According to a press release issued by the IRS, “Hurricane Irma victims in Florida have until Jan. 31, 2018, to file certain individual and business tax returns and make certain tax payments.”
This includes an additional filing extension for taxpayers with valid extensions that run out on Oct. 16, and businesses with extensions that run out on Sept. 15.” Read more
Crown Center Executive Suites is providing a discount for Premium Shared Space.
We’re currently offering a special rate for day offices and premium shared space to help our business community work through the power outages and inconveniences caused by Hurricane Irma. Read more