SCED hosts Manufacturing Round Table

SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Florida Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by May Drought

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Florida who sustained economic losses caused by the drought beginning May 6. The SBA is offering low-interest economic injury disaster loans. The loan amount can be up to $2 million, with interest rates as low as 4%, and terms of up to 30 years. The deadline to apply is February 2, 2026.

Planning for Businesses

As Florida enters another hurricane season, businesses — especially small and medium-sized enterprises — face heightened risks of operational disruption, property damage, and financial loss. According to FEMA, 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster, and 25% more fail within a year if they lack a continuity plan.

Fortunately, Florida offers a wealth of resources to help businesses prepare, respond, and recover. The Florida Division of Emergency Management provides comprehensive guidance through its Business Planning portal, while the Florida Department of Financial Services offers consumer-focused storm preparedness tips.

Florida Economic Forecast 2024-2030

Florida’s population could grow by 1.4 million people by 2030. Florida Taxwatch examined key trends in population growth, employment, income, GDP and tourism and predicts the state’s economy could hit some headwinds by 2027 before recovering by 2030.

Make Onshoring Great Again portal

This free tool from SBA helps connect businesses with verified U.S. manufacturers, producers, and suppliers. It’s built to support companies that want to onshore operations, strengthen their supply chains, and source the components they need—all proudly Made in the USA.

Sumter County Economic Development recently honored

On May 20, 2025, the Sumter County School Board held a reception for the recipients of the Outstanding Service to Schools award, followed by their regular board meeting. Sumter County Economic Development was recently honored with this award for their support of students and workforce development in Sumter County.

Wildwood to Break Ground on New Water Reclamation Facility

State-of-the-Art Plant will Increase Capacity to 5.5 Million Gallons per Day

The City of Wildwood hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, to kick off construction of its new water reclamation facility at 1290 Industrial Drive.

SCED hosted their Bi-Annual Manufacturing Roundtable at the Sumter Center of Lake-Sumter College on May 20th. Sumter County manufacturers and strategic partners gathered for a lunch and learn where Team Leader & Senior International Trade Specialist

Wildwood’s downtown Railyard is under construction

According to Wildwood officials, the project is expected to bring new dining and entertainment venues to the downtown area. Located a block south of the city’s new Main Street Parking Garage, the Railyard will feature indoor and outdoor areas for the public to enjoy food, drinks, entertainment and recreation.

SCED hosts Manufacturing Round Table

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SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Florida Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by May Drought

Planning for Businesses

Florida Economic Forecast 2024-2030

Make Onshoring Great Again portal

Latest News

SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Florida Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by May Drought

Planning for Businesses

Florida Economic Forecast 2024-2030

Make Onshoring Great Again portal

Sumter County Economic Development recently honored

Wildwood to Break Ground on New Water Reclamation Facility

SCED hosts Manufacturing Round Table

Wildwood’s downtown Railyard is under construction