U.S. MINORITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (CCMUSA) LAUNCHES EFFORTS TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES IMPACTED BY HURRICANE MILTON IN FLORIDA

October 10, 2024 Miami, FL – The U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce (U.S.MCC) is leading a regional response to aid business communities and residents in over 200 cities affected by Hurricane Milton. This effort focuses on:

1. Business Reactivation: Offering grants, contracts, and loans through the SBA for economic and physical recovery.
2. Reconstruction Support: Assisting with FEMA programs to rebuild homes, businesses, and industry.
3. Contracting Opportunities: Hosting conferences to connect small businesses with FEMA and other federal agencies.
4. Foreign Labor Assistance: Providing specialized labor for reconstruction, with expedited visa processing.

U.S.M.C.C is working alongside government and private sector partners to address the immediate needs of survivors. They will help small and medium businesses access financial aid and connect them with contracting opportunities.

First, President Biden has approved federal disaster assistance that is available to survivors in designated counties in Florida. Survivors can and those who want to receive assistance three ways: online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or in the FEMA app.

“The Chamber will assist in filling out applications for financial and economic assistance to small and medium-sized businesses as an essential priority from loans to grants. At the Chamber we understand that every business has unique vulnerabilities and weaknesses, a back-to-business self-assessment can help you to assess your risks for common challenges such as hurricanes, flooding, or even cyberattacks”. said CEO and President of U.S.MCC, Doug Mayorga, “ If you need personnel immediately, take advantage of our foreign workforce development program to assist with cleanup and reconstruction efforts, helping to accelerate recovery”, said Mr. Mayorga. 

Survivors can apply for disaster assistance at disasterassistance.gov or through FEMA’s hotline. Hotels and psychological care are also being offered to displaced businesses and residents.

Upcoming Business Conference will cover five points: 

• How to do business with FEMA “Rebuilding Florida”
• How to receive a loan from SBA for economic and physical damage 
• Steps to obtain the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan in 10 days.  
• Understanding what the U.S. Government is Doing related to Hurricane Milton 
• Australian investors will present hurricane-resistant housing technology to local officials and builders.

About the U.S.M.C.C: Was established in September 2000 as a not-for-profit organization. The Chamber´s headquartered in Washington DC and Miami, Florida with international HUBs in City of Mexico, Santo Domingo, Bogota and Tegucigalpa. It is independent, impartial, and not tied to any special political objectives or interests. One of its priorities is delivering business education, training, tools and resources to help minority firms prepare for disasters and get back to the important business of serving communities. We mobilize our relations, knowledge, expertise, capabilities, programs and resources to assist with the relief and recovery efforts of businesses and economy. 

For more information, visit: www.minoritychamber.net

Contact: Rosse Garcia

786.406.2190 / 305.423-9492

[email protected]

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