SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration today announced the opening of an SBA Business Recovery Center in Houma on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, to provide a wide range of services to businesses impacted by Hurricane Ida that occurred Aug. 26 – Sept. 3, 2021. The center will open as indicated below.
“Due to the severe property damage and economic losses Hurricane Ida inflicted on businesses in Louisiana, we want to provide every available service to help get them back on their feet,” said SBA’s Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Field Operations Center‑West. “The center will provide a one-stop location for businesses to access a variety of specialized help. SBA customer service representatives will be available to meet individually with each business owner,” she added. No appointment is necessary. All services are provided free of charge.
TERREBONNE PARISH
Business Recovery Center
East Houma Public Library – Meeting Room
778 Grand Caillou Road
Houma, LA 70363
Opens 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 24
Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
“SBA 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,” Garfield said.
“In addition, SBA previously announced that SBA representatives and Louisiana Small Business Development Center business advisors will be available at the following three Business Recovery Centers to provide information on SBA disaster loans and business assistance on the dates and times indicated,” Garfield continued.
According to State Director Carla Holland, SBDC business advisors 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 working capital needs, 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,” she said.
The following centers will be open until further notice.
Business Recovery Centers
LAFOURCHE PARISH
South Louisiana Economic Council
Nicholls State University
322 Audubon Ave.
Thibodaux, LA 70310
Opened Tuesday, Sept. 21
Mondays - Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
TANGIPAHOA PARISH
Southeastern Louisiana Business Center
Small Business Development Center
1514 Martens Drive
Hammond, LA 70401
Opens 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 23
Thursdays - Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH
River Region Chamber of Commerce
390 Belle Terre Blvd.
LaPlace, LA 70068
Opens 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22
Mondays - Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
According to Garfield, 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 to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.
For business owners who are unable to visit the business recovery center, they may apply online using SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/.
SBA representatives also continue to meet with business owners and residents at disaster recovery centers located throughout the impacted area. For a list of locations, or to receive additional disaster assistance information, visit SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. 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.
The deadline to apply for property damage is Oct. 28, 2021. The deadline to apply for economic injury is May 31, 2022.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.