LA 14667-04 SBA to Close Three Business Recovery Centers; Covington to Convert to a Disaster Loan Outreach Center

SACRAMENTO, Calif. –

District Director Michael Ricks of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Louisiana District office announced today that SBA will close its Business Recovery Centers (BRC) in Bogalusa, Bossier City and Hammond. The Covington center will convert to an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center to begin serving homeowners and renters, as well as businesses. The Monroe BRC will stay open until further notice.

“SBA opened the business recovery centers to provide personalized assistance to Louisiana businesses that were affected by the severe storms and flooding that began March 8, 2016. Until the centers close, SBA representatives will continue to meet with business owners to explain how an SBA disaster loan can help finance their recovery, answer questions and help each business owner apply to SBA,” Ricks said.

“SBA representatives and Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) consultants will remain at the Monroe Business Recovery Center to continue to provide information on SBA disaster loans and counseling on a wide variety of matters designed to help small business owners re-establish their operations, overcome the effects of the disaster and plan for their future. Services include assessing business economic injury, evaluating the business’s strength, cash flow projections and most importantly, a review of all options to ensure each business makes decisions that are appropriate for its situation,” Ricks continued. “Beginning Thursday, April 14 SBA representatives will be available to meet with individuals and businesses at the converted Covington disaster loan outreach center, he continued.”

Businesses owners can meet with SBA representatives and LSBDC consultants on the days and times indicated. No appointment is necessary.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

Business owners may also apply online using SBA’s secure website at

https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela

or get help from SBA representatives at any Disaster Recovery Center in Louisiana. Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955 or emailing

disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877‑8339. For more disaster assistance information or to download applications, visit

https://www.sba.gov/disaster

. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155.

The deadline to apply for property damage is May 12, 2016. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Dec. 13, 2016.