News

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and private nonprofit organizations located in Florida as a result of Hurricane Irma on Sept. 9 to 12, 2017. The loans are available in the following counties Charlotte, Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk,...

WASHINGTON, April 6, 2018 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make disaster payments of up to $2.36 billion, as provided by Congress, to help America’s farmers and ranchers recover from hurricanes and wildfires. The funds are available as part of the new 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (2017 WHIP). Sign-up for the new program, authorized by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, will begin no later tha...

To Our Community Business Leaders: As we continue to move forward with recovery efforts after Hurricane Irma, and as we also look to the future and our need to enhance our economic resiliency in the wake of such events, please join us for a workshop: Business Continuity in the Face of Disaster Recovery WorkshopThursday, February 156:30 to 8 a.m.Bert J. Harris Ag-Civic Center, 4509 George Blvd., Sebring, FL 33875View the Event Flier Here The workshop is hosted by the U.S. Economic ...

SBA Business Recovery Center - Highlands CountyMonday through SaturdayHours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Bert J. Harris Agricultural Center4509 West George Blvd.Sebring, FL 33875A Business Recovery Center (BRC) operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is now open in Highlands County to help local businesses impacted by Hurricane Irma.SBA representatives in the centers provide information about disaster loans, answer questions and assist businesses in completing the SBA application.The Highla...

Highlands County Economic Development is open and has resumed normal operating hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are here to assist you with your business damage assessment and recovery. The County’s Building Department (863-402-6643) is also open to assist with permitting needs.BUSINESS DAMAGE ASSESSMENT: If your business sustained damage during Hurricane Irma, please complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey at http://www.flvbeoc.org/index.php?action=bd...