Emergency bridge loan assistance
The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance, is aiding business owners with filing for emergency loan assistance. The loans are available for businesses damaged economically or physically by Hurricane Irma.
As a principal responder in the state’s Emergency Support Function (ESF) 18 for Business & Industry, the Florida SBDC Network is a key economic development organization that supports disaster preparedness, recovery and mitigation through its Business Continuation services.
Bill Burnham, a business consultant with Florida SBDC at University of South Florida, is available in Hernando and Pasco counties, to assist affected business owners in preparing disaster loan applications, including the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan. The maximum amount a business can borrow due to damage from Hurricane Irma has been increased to $50,000, while funds are available.
Burnham also can assist with other post-disaster challenges.
To schedule an appointment, call (813) 905-5800.
In Pasco, appointments are at the Pasco Economic Development Council, 16506 Pointe Village Drive, Suite 101, in Lutz. Appointments are available on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit FloridaDisasterLoan.org.
Federal assistance for businesses
Florida’s Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center is an online portal for private sector preparation, damage assessments and recovery.
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations. The loans can be used for loss and damages not fully recovered by insurance.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the small business administration’s secure website. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Nov. 9. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 11, 2018.
For information, visit Flvbeoc.org.
Zephyrhills breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast Oct. 5 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Coral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.
The sponsor is Humana.
The cost is $8 for chamber members and $10 for non-members.
For information, call the chamber at (813) 782-1913, or email .
Women-n-Charge
Join Women-n-Charge Oct. 6 from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa. The women share their talents and resources, and they build relationships with other women in business.
Guest speaker is Life Coach Laura White who will share basic tools and tips to foster positive communication, connection and relationships with present and future customers.
The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests.
Please register at Women-n-charge.com.
For information, call (813) 600-9848, or email .
Oh My Donuts grand opening
Get your yum on at Oh My Donuts, which will have its grand opening celebration on Oct. 7 and Oct. 8, from noon to 3 p.m., at 7902 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.
The shop offers delivery and pick up for its handcrafted mini-donuts that are baked, not fried. Oh My Donuts has vanilla and chocolate regular donuts as well as gluten free and gluten-free, vegan vanilla donuts.
Glazing and a variety of toppings are available.
Enjoy tastings, games, prizes and discounts at the grand opening.
For information, call (813) 575-9996 or visit m.Facebook.com/ohmydonuts.
New board for Pasco EDC
The Pasco Economic Development Council announced the members of its board of directors’ Executive Committee for the fiscal year 2018, which begins Oct. 1, according to a news release from the Pasco EDC.
Two new at-large members, who will serve on the board, are Staceyann Sinclair of Rasmussen College and Heidi Tuttle-Beisner of Commercial Asset Partners Realty.
Sinclair became the area director of Rasmussen College in January 2015. She serves the Tampa, Brandon, Land O’ Lakes/East Pasco and New Port Richey/West Pasco campuses.
She worked in business/management for more than 14 years, and has a bachelor of science degree and master of arts degree in organizational management. She has volunteered with the Pasco EDC since 2016, serving on the Talent Pipeline Task Force. Sinclair offers assistance with workforce development matters when needed.
Tuttle-Beisner is the broker/owner of Commercial Asset Partners Realty in Trinity. She has more than 20 years’ experience in the brokerage of commercial real estate.
She is recognized as a top real estate producer who is involved in the industry and legislative issues pertaining to the integrity of the profession.
Tuttle-Beisner has been involved as an investor with the Pasco EDC since 2006, serving many years on the Awards Committee and participating on task forces.
Other board members are:
- Chairman Keith Appenzeller, King Engineering Associates
- Vice Chairwoman Danielle Ruiz, Duke Energy
- Secretary/Treasurer Mike Lawson, Metro Development Group. LLC
- Immediate Past Chairman Jimmy Adcock, Tampa Electric/Peoples Gas
East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet Oct. 10 beginning at 7:30 a.m., at the IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City.
This is a new location for the group.
The guest speaker will be Daniel Martin, public relations manager for A Helping Rock Inc.
For information, contact Chairman Nils Lens at or (813) 782-9491; or Vice Chairwoman Vicky Jones at or (813) 431-1149.
Central Pasco general meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its general membership meeting Oct. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Harbor Terrace Restaurant, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz.
Guest speaker will be Dr. Ramos of Knox Medical.
Members and guests are welcome.
The cost for members is $20 if you RSVP by Oct. 5, and $25 at the door for members and non-members.
For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .
Business Link breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly breakfast Oct. 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Saint Leo University in the boardroom of the Student Community Center, at 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.
The monthly gathering, held at various locations, provides networking and an information-sharing platform for the small business community.
A complimentary breakfast will be provided. The event is sponsored by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union.
RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237, or email ">.
Sewing Center ribbon cutting
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host the ribbon cutting for the Sewing Center of Wesley Chapel on Oct. 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Suite 119, in Wesley Chapel.
The event is free.
For information, call the chamber at (813) 907-3256, or email .
North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its October 2017 Momentum Thursday Oct. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Iavarone’s Steakhouse & Italian Grill, 3617 Humphrey St., in Tampa.
Guest speaker will be Preston Cook of the Office of Emergency Management.
For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m., on Oct. 11, at the discounted rage of $20 (whether you eat or not).
After that date, the cost is $25 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.
For information, call the chamber office at (813) 563-0180, or visit NorthTampaChamber.com.
Wesley Chapel mixer
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly mixer Oct. 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club, at 26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.
The event is free. Bring plenty of business cards.
For information, call the chamber at (813) 907-3256, or email .
