Business owners in Northwest Florida who were impacted by Hurricane Isaías will have access to free, confidential, in-person advice from November 2 to November 5, 2026. Mobile units will be visiting four locations across Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties to assist entrepreneurs in recovering from the storm's damage.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has released a schedule indicating that these mobile units belong to the Florida Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC). They are set to provide guidance on damage assessments, emergency loan applications, and challenges in resuming business operations.
Support Schedule and Locations
The initial sessions will take place on Monday, November 2, and Tuesday, November 3, in Santa Rosa County, with simultaneous assistance offered at two locations.
In Milton, experts will be stationed at the Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office, located at 6491 Caroline Street, Office 4. The second venue will be the Jay Town Hall at 3695 FL-4.
On Wednesday, November 4, and Thursday, November 5, assistance will shift to two other sites. In Navarre, also in Santa Rosa, services will be available at the county's Visitor Information Center at 8543 Navarre Parkway.
During those same dates, business owners in Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, can visit the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce located at 34 Miracle Strip Parkway SE.
All four locations will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on their respective days, adhering to the Central Time Zone applicable to Northwest Florida.
Services Offered by Mobile Access Centers
Specialists will manage the Mobile Access Centers, temporary setups designed for business owners to directly consult with professionals regarding their recovery options.
Available services include assistance with the FloridaCommerce business damage assessment, a form used to gather data on the losses and economic challenges faced by businesses after the hurricane.
Advisors will also aid in preparing emergency funding applications, organizing necessary documentation, and addressing issues that hinder the reopening or continuation of business activities.
One notable resource is the interest-free bridge loan program initiated by Florida in October for small businesses affected by Isaías, offering up to $100,000 to qualifying companies. This program provides temporary financing that must be repaid and is not a grant or free money. The deadline for applying for these loans is November 25, 2026, or earlier if funds are depleted.
Experts will also provide guidance on preparing disaster loan applications with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), customized to each program's criteria.
While the mobile units assist in providing information and advice, they do not guarantee loan approval or fund disbursement. Their goal is to help business owners identify available resources and navigate the necessary processes.
Additional Resources and Information
These sessions are specifically aimed at businesses impacted by the hurricane and differ from the previously established multi-agency centers in Okaloosa, which offered broader services for families, residents, and companies.
Those unable to visit the temporary sites can seek information through the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of West Florida, which continues to provide regular business consulting services at no cost in Northwest Florida.
Before traveling, interested parties should check the official section for business assistance related to Isaías to verify the current locations, dates, and times.
FAQs on Hurricane Isaías Business Assistance in Florida
What assistance is available for businesses affected by Hurricane Isaías in Florida?
Businesses can access free, confidential guidance on damage assessments, emergency loan applications, and resuming operations through mobile units visiting four locations in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties.
How can business owners apply for the interest-free bridge loan program?
Business owners can apply for the interest-free bridge loan program by preparing necessary documentation and submitting applications before the November 25, 2026 deadline, or sooner if funds run out. Guidance is available at the mobile units.
Where can I find more information if I cannot visit the mobile units?
If unable to visit the mobile units, business owners can contact the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of West Florida for regular, no-cost business consulting services.