Small Business Administration Opens Disaster Assistance Locations

Sacramento, CA – The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today announced the opening of three additional Business Assistance Centers (BACs) to provide a wide range of services to businesses impacted by Hurricane Ike.  The business centers will open Tuesday, September 30.

“Due to the severe property damage and economic loss Hurricane Ike inflicted on businesses in Texas, we want to provide every available service to help get them back on their feet,” said Rear Admiral Steven G. Smith USN (Ret.), Chief of the Executive Office of SBA’s Office of Disaster Strategic Planning and Operations.  “These centers will provide a single one-stop location for businesses to access a variety of specialized help,” he added.  The centers will be open at the following locations on the days and times indicated.

Specialists from the following organizations will be available to meet with business owners:
U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
University of Houston Small Business Development Center Network
According to Manuel R. Gonzalez, SBA’s Houston District Director, SBA customer service representatives will be available to meet individually with each business owner to explain how an SBA disaster loan can help finance their recovery.  “We can answer your questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and accept your completed application,” he said.

According to Mike Young, Executive Director of University of Houston Small Business Development Network, SBDC representatives will provide business consulting services designed to help these business owners re-establish their operations and plan for their future. They will provide disaster loan program information, answer questions and help businesses apply for this much needed financial help.  All services are provided free of charge.

Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations may apply to SBA for low-interest disaster loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace damage to real estate, leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.  These loans cover losses that are not fully covered by insurance or other recoveries.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes, SBA also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs created by the disaster.  Many small businesses are suffering financial losses caused by extended power outages, even though they have not suffered any property damage.  EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered property damage.

Assistance is also available at the five business assistance centers previously opened.  Their locations, days, and times of operations are as follows:

Business owners may also get help from SBA representatives at any Disaster Recovery Center in Texas.  They may also contact SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling toll-free (800) 659-2955 or by emailing us at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.  Hearing impaired individuals may call toll‑free (800) 877‑8339 or visit SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.  Additionally, disaster victims may now go online to file an SBA application for disaster loan assistance.  The Electronic Loan Application (ELA) is accessible via SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. 

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, disaster victims should first register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by calling (800) 621-3362, or visit their web site at www.fema.gov.