SBA Encourages Louisiana Flood Survivors to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance Loans

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 9, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues its long-term recovery response to Louisiana flood survivors, providing face-to-face assistance at SBA business recovery centers, federal/state disaster recovery centers, and Small Business Development Centers. Low interest federal disaster loans are available to credit worthy borrowers who have suffered physical damage to their businesses or homes.

A total of 195 SBA team members are working across 34 disaster centers in the Louisiana Capital Region to assist those impacted by the recent flooding. At the centers, businesses, homeowners and renters can get help with the disaster loan application, learn about other forms of federal assistance, and receive business continuity counseling. In addition, 117 SBA field inspectors are on the ground surveying property damage and SBA call center staffers have fielded more than 49,500 calls with Louisiana disaster survivors.

"Two weeks ago, I visited Baton Rouge, Louisiana to meet with families and see firsthand how the SBA could help," said SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet. "I heard from families whose lives have been turned upside down by the tragic rise of flood waters, and from many others who have lost their precious keepsakes, family photos and the place they called home. No amount of news coverage or photos of damaged property could capture their sentiments and what I saw and heard there, but I was heartened by the personal accounts of how our SBA team was playing a role in their recovery."

To date, SBA has approved 191 business disaster loans for a combined $16.5 million and 2,959 disaster loans for homeowners and renters totaling $219.6 million. Total SBA loan support for Louisiana flood survivors is now more than $236.1 million.

Contreras-Sweet added: "While we've already made more than $200 million in loans to those impacted by the flooding, we know that many more have yet to seek available SBA assistance. We encourage businesses, homeowners and renters who suffered property losses to visit one of the 34 disaster centers in Louisiana, go to SBA.gov or contact FEMA to find out more about how we can help." 

Businesses and residents affected by the flooding are encouraged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) before the Oct. 13 deadline by calling (800) 621‑FEMA (3362) or (800) 462-7585 (TTY) for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

For recovery center locations, and details on how to apply for SBA disaster loans, go to https://www.sba.gov/offices/disaster/dfocw/declaration/1538306.

Businesses of all sizes 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. The SBA can also lend additional funds to help business and residents with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

For small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations of all sizes, the 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.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace their damaged or destroyed primary residence. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Business owners and individuals may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA's secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA's Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955 or emailing [email protected]. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339.

For more disaster assistance information or to download applications, visit 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 filing deadline to submit applications for property damage is Oct. 13, 2016. The deadline to submit economic injury applications is May 15, 2017.

Release Number: 16-63

Contact: Richard Jenkins (916) 735-1500
Internet Address: www.sba.gov/news 
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SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration

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