HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY — With the signing of the American Relief Act 2025, the U.S. Small Business Administration can continue to process disaster loans to provide financial assistance to people affected by natural disasters across the country.
According to McKinsey & CompanyHurricane Milton impacted 34 Florida counties, which were home to nearly 60% of the state’s small businesses.
After two months of waiting, some business owners say new funds will help them reopen
This will help people like Jennifer Winchester, CEO of Playground Pro.
“We mainly create daycares, churches and HOAs,” she said. “We do custom playgrounds, so we’re able to tailor your playground and they’re made by Amish. They’re really built to last.”
Although his playgrounds are strong enough to withstand a storm, Winchester says his business has suffered severe financial difficulties following several hurricanes.
“It really set back a lot of projects, and I lost projects because of it,” she said of lost sales.
Three years ago, this single mother took a leap of faith by starting a playground construction business when she couldn’t find the perfect one for her own children. After the storms, she found herself rebuilding and went to the Small Business Administration office to apply for a loan.
“It’s just me and God is by business partner,” she said.
Winchester is one of thousands of applicants relying on the low-interest SBA loan to help his business turn around.
The SBA received additional funding to resume disaster lending following Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby.
Ryck Morales is with the SBA and says funding initially ran out on October 15.
After averting a near government shutdown, the American Relief Act 2025 was signed into law.
“It’s historic,” Morales said. “For the first time, we experienced all these disasters. That’s why we had to wait for Congress to allocate new funds. This issue has been resolved and we encourage people to apply.
Business owner Susan Chellini also benefits from this assistance.
“Everyone should patronize small business — it’s the heart and soul of America,” Chellini said. “You know, small businesses are disappearing. Then the city goes away.
She says the key to economic recovery after back-to-back storms is restoring stability to small businesses.
Business owners can apply until January 7 at the Hillsborough County Business Recovery Assessment Center. The location is 2101 E. Palm Ave. in Tampa.
The center serves as a one-stop shop where businesses can access coaching on SBA disaster loan programs, business mentoring and financing strategies.
Its opening hours are as follows:
Thursday December 26: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday December 27: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 December: closed
Monday December 30: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tuesday December 31: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Wednesday January 1: Closed
Thursday January 2: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday January 3: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday January 4 and Sunday January 5: closed
The ASB can also be accessed by visiting SBA.gov or by calling (800) 659-2955 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.