SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration, the Louisiana Small Business Development Center and the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce remind business owners who were impacted by Hurricane Ida that occurred Aug. 26 ‑ Sept. 3, 2021 that the SBA Business Recovery Center in New Orleans is by appointment only.
To obtain an appointment, send an email to FOCWAssistance@SBA.gov with the subject line “Appointment Requested.” The center is operating out of the Advanced Technology Center located at The Beach at the University of New Orleans. The center will open as indicated below.
ORLEANS PARISH
New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce
The Beach at the University of New Orleans
Advanced Technology Center
2021 Lakeshore Drive, Third Floor
New Orleans, LA 70122
Opens 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28
By Appointment Only
Monday - Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 4 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.
According to State Director Carla Holland, Louisiana Small Business Development Center 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 working capital needs, evaluating the business’ 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,” said Holland.
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.