SACRAMENTO, Calif.
– The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Texas Gulf Coast Small Business Development Center Network today announced the opening of a business recovery center in Houston to provide a wide range of services to businesses impacted by Hurricane Harvey that began Aug. 23, 2017. The center will open as indicated below.
“Due to the severe property damage and economic losses Hurricane Harvey inflicted on businesses in Texas, we want to provide every available service to help get them back on their feet,” said SBA’s Houston District Director Tim Jeffcoat. “The center will provide a one-stop location for businesses to access a variety of specialized help. SBA customer service representatives and SBDC business advisors will be available to meet individually with each business owner,” he added. No appointment is necessary. All services are provided free of charge.
Business Recovery Center
|
HARRIS COUNTY
Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
“SBA customer service representatives will meet with each business owner to explain how an SBA disaster loan can help finance their recovery. They will answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each business owner complete their electronic loan application,” Jeffcoat said.
According to Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network Executive Director Dr. Steve Lawrence, SBDC business advisors at the center will provide business assistance to clients 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 options with the business owner to help them evaluate their alternatives and make decisions that are appropriate for their situation.
According to Jeffcoat, businesses of any size and private, nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, 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, 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 Texas. Disaster loan information is 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, visit
. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.