In times of crisis and natural disaster, Florida's business community always stands ready to support one another. Hurricane relief and resources are below:
1. Valuable Resources, Standing Ready to Help. HERE>
During times of crisis, the Florida Chamber will pivot to do what is necessary to help our members and all Floridians. A Florida Chamber team member has been assisting on the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team representing Florida’s business community in the EOC. Additionally, we are working with Florida's local chambers impacted by the storm to ensure we can assist with anything they may need and as they work to re-build their communities. The Florida Chamber's website has been updated with the latest resources available for Floridians.
2. Please Take Florida's Official Business Damage Assessment Survey HERE>
I spoke to DEO Secretary Dane Eagle and he asked me to alert our members to the need to have as many impacted businesses as possible to take the survey. As such, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FDEO) and the Florida Division of Emergency Management have activated a Business Damage Assessment Survey to learn more about how Hurricane Ian is impacting local Florida businesses. If your business has been impacted, please take the survey HERE> as it will help state officials with understanding the recovery resources needed in those communities.
3. Donate to the Florida Disaster Fund to Help with Hurricane Ian Recovery Efforts HERE>
First Lady Casey DeSantis is leading efforts to generate donations to the Florida Disaster Fund - the State’s official private fund that assists Florida communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. If you or your business is interested in making a donation to the Florida Disaster Fund, please click HERE>. Donations to the Florida Disaster Fund are made to the Volunteer Florida Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and are tax deductible.
4. Hurricane Ian Volunteer Opportunities HERE>
As Florida communities recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian, we have heard from many members who want to help and get their companies and employees involved in recovery efforts. Volunteer Florida is the official place to learn about Florida's volunteer opportunities and has a variety of opportunities via its Volunteer Connect platform. If you are interested in learning more, click HERE>.
5. Business Recovery Centers
The US Small Business Administration (SBA), in coordination with DEO and the Florida SBDC, will be setting up Business Recovery Centers. These Business Recovery Centers will be used as a one stop shop business spot to assist businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian in recovery efforts. SBA, DEO and the Florida SBDC are currently working to pre-identify space available for these centers. If you may have space available, or potentially parking for mobile assistance centers, please contact Beverly Byerts at Beverly.Byerts@FloridaSBDC.org. Please also do not be surprised if SBDC reaches out to you.
Below are a few characteristics of ideal locations for a Business Recovery Center from past experience that would be ideal for the SBA:
• Easy access and ample visibility from main roads.
• Large buildings (libraries, gymnasiums, governmental buildings, halls, etc.) are ideal:
o Multiple tables for disaster workers (SBA, FEMA, State of Florida, and local organizations).
o Waiting room area (ideally with air conditioning) for disaster victims, etc.
• During Hurricane Michael, many facilities could hold 20-30 disaster workers in fold out tables.
• Close to densely populated areas
• Easy access to large RV vehicles (the SBA, FEMA, and the SBDC has these that are deployed during disasters).
