The state of Florida was allocated $98.1 million by the U.S. Department of Treasury through its State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) to implement Florida’s Small Business Loan Program (SBLP) in 2010. The Initiative encourages states to establish or strengthen multiple state programs that support lending to small businesses. Florida’s SBLP is used to leverage private lending to help finance small businesses that are creditworthy but are not getting the funding they need to expand and create jobs.
The loan proceeds must be used for a business purpose. A business purpose includes, but is not limited to: startup costs, working capital, business procurement, franchise fees, inventory, as well as the purchase, construction renovation or tenant improvements of an eligible place of business that is not for passive real estate investment purposes.
Florida's Small Business Loan Program
- 504 Bridge Loan – Lenders are permitted to finance equipment and owner-occupied real estate purchases up to 90 percent of the total project cost.
- Loan Participation – Loan Participation is up to 50 percent of the total loan amount.