SPECIAL REPORT – HURRICANE MILTON ASSISTANCE
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Our Economic Development Office has put together a list of local, state and federal resources available to assist our local businesses and residents to help make them "whole" again. Click here for that list, or keep scrolling to learn more. STATE RESOURCES FloridaCommerce also activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Milton recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses. Complete the survey online by visiting FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Milton” from the dropdown menu. For help with this program, call the private sector hotline at 850-815-4925 Monday-Friday 8a to 5p; or email ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
Go to the MySBA Loan Portal to apply; or contact them at 800-659-2955 or http://disastercustomerservice@sba.gov NOTE: As of 10/18/2024, new loan requests will be delayed due to a lapse in Congressional funding. Congress has the option to re-allocate these funds, but they are currently in recess and don't reconvene until after the Nov. 5 election. The Speaker of the House is not calling a Special-Call Meeting to consider a re-allocation of funds. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications now so as to be in the "queue" once funding is available. LOCAL RESOURCES
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Do you enjoy year-round outdoor activities? How about a place where your business is welcomed with open arms? Indian River County, Florida - Fellsmere, Sebastian, and Vero Beach - offers the best of both worlds: a perfect location for fun and business with a balance that helps build your business in the sun.
- Indian River County is located within a 3-hour drive of 22+ million potential customers - 90% of Florida’s population.
- We are 70 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center - yes, we can see the space launches from here! - and an hour’s drive north of West Palm Beach.
- Our county's 503 square miles contain 22 miles of unspoiled beaches, groves of world-famous Indian River grapefruit, immaculate oceanfront estates and riverfront communities - free from urban sprawl and congestion.
- A new interchange is under construction at Oslo Road and I-95, in the southern part of our county, making access and distribution even easier! For project details, visit the FL Dept. of Transportation website.
- Our county also offers a cost-competitive place to grow or expand your business, with lease rates averaging $12-$15 per square foot for your build-to-suit site.
- Our unique setting includes an emphasis on low-scale buildings, plenty of access to public beaches with no parking fees, and a host of community amenities.
The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce is the designated organization for economic development and for tourism.
Those who live, work or visit Indian River County - Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere, Orchid, Indian River Shores - find that our communities are safe, and loaded with ecological, cultural, educational and technological amenities.
Click here to see all the quality-of-life amenities available to visitors and residents alike. Or, check out the new "WonderFL-Life on the Treasure Coast" website to see what it's like working and living in our Treasure Coast region, including a list of major employers and job openings.
Manufacturing Bootcamp
Our 2024 Manufacturing Bootcamp week just finished up on June 7, and it was quite a week! Our student participants had a very busy week, as you can see from the itinerary and photos.
We will start gearing up for the 2025 program this Fall. For more info about the Bootcamp program, click here to download an informational brochure. You can also find more info about this program on the Workforce Training page of this website.
Industry Appreciation Awards Program
We encourage local businesses to submit nominations for our 2024 Industry Appreciation Awards program! Each year, we celebrate the success of local businesses at our annual Industry Appreciation Awards event at the Indian River State College Richardson Center.
We recognize local businesses in a variety of categories: for their architectural achievements, success within their industries, and/or community involvement. The Awards event is scheduled for Oct. 3, 2024. Please visit our "Business Resources" overview page on this website for details and nomination forms. Our 2024 Nomination Packet also provides info about the program. The nomination deadline is 7/31/2024.
Economic Leadership Alliance
The Chamber also offers an opportunity for local businesses to invest in our economic development activities through our Economic Leadership Alliance program. Click here for details on becoming more involved and for a list of current investors.
The Florida Scorecard
The Florida Chamber Foundation has created "The Florida Scorecard", an online tool that identifies and tracks key metrics that are important to Florida’s economy today and into the future. The Florida Scorecard gives stakeholders the power to measure progress on a statewide level and within their own communities. We invite you to view our Indian River County Scorecard. The data is updated regularly (Feb. 2024 data is to the right).
If you are looking for personal assistance and site information for your business, call or email Helene Caseltine, the Chamber's Vice President of Economic Development: 772-567-3491 or helenec@indianrivered.com.
Our community is prepared to make your business expansion or relocation plans easy and rewarding. We look forward to meeting you!
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