Before the coronavirus pandemic struck in March, many Florida small businesses had high hopes for a fruitful year. But like a storm cloud, COVID-19 enveloped the business community, grinding small businesses across the state to a halt. Facing the dire prospect of closing for good, many small businesses and not-for-profit organizations eagerly awaited emergency state and federal funding. Yet, as funding became available, small businesses faced a daunting new challenge—navigating the application process.

In response to state and federal emergency funding programs, attorneys from across Florida stepped up in the early stages to provide much needed pro bono legal support. Those commendable efforts helped some small businesses weather the storm and receive much- needed relief. Yet for many more, the request for aid went unanswered. State and federal funds were exhausted within weeks. Though some Florida businesses have reopened, many are looking at a fourth month of closed doors—an entire quarter of disrupted revenue. More help is needed, and Florida lawyers are in a unique position to help.