TX 16149-07 Texas Disaster Recovery Centers to Become SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers

SACRAMENTO, Calif.

- Texas State/Federal Disaster Recovery Centers in Beaumont, Cleveland, Houston, New Caney and Orange will convert to U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

“At this stage of the recovery process, the emphasis for assistance is to meet the long-term needs of businesses and individuals that were impacted by Tropical Storm Imelda that occurred Sept. 17-23, 2019,” said SBA’s Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West. “The transition of the Beaumont, Cleveland, Houston, New Caney and Orange Disaster Recovery Centers to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers will better meet the current residents needs of Harris, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery and Orange counties.” SBA representatives will also continue to be available at the Winnie Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Chambers County.

“SBA customer service representatives will continue to answer questions, explain the application process, help small businesses apply for a low-interest economic injury disaster loan and close their approved disaster loans,” Garfield continued. The DLOCs will be open on the days and times indicated. No appointment is necessary.

Although the deadline to apply for a loan for property damage has passed, small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size still have until July 6, 2020, to apply for an economic injury disaster loan to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses and 2.75 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at

https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela

. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email

disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155.