WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D., (R-LA) announced assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration is available for Louisiana residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Barry. Assistance comes in the form of low-interest federal disaster loans to Louisiana businesses and residents affected by the July 2019 hurricane.
The disaster declaration by the SBA makes SBA assistance available in Allen, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Catahoula, Concordia, Evangeline, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, La Salle, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne, Vernon and West Feliciana parishes.
“The U.S. Small Business Administration has offered help for Louisianans. This is extremely important information for anyone in Louisiana affected by Hurricane Barry, especially since it is unlikely that a federal disaster unlocking aid from FEMA will be declared,” said Dr. Cassidy.
The below centers are available to those needing assistance in completing an application or who have questions.
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ALLEN PARISH Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Closes 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26
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AVOYELLES PARISH Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closes 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26
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ST. MARY PARISH Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Closes 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26
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“SBA is strongly committed to providing Louisiana with the most effective and customer-focused response possible, and we will be there to provide access to federal disaster loans to help finance recovery for businesses and residents affected by the disaster,” said acting Administrator Christopher M. Pilkerton of the U.S. Small Business Administration. “Getting our businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.”
“Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster,” said SBA’s Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West. “Beginning Friday, Sept. 13, SBA representatives will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Centers to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application,” Garfield continued. The centers will be open on the days and times indicated below. No appointment is necessary.
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. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.
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 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 damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.75 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 1.938 percent for homeowners and renters 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(link sends e-mail) 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.
The deadline to apply for property damage is Nov. 12, 2019. The deadline to apply for economic injury is June 11, 2020.
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