Business Counseling Center Opens for Gustav Victims
10 September 2008
Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) and the Louisiana Small Business Development Center Greater New Orleans Region (LSBDC GNOR) announced today that they have teamed up to assist businesses of Jefferson Parish and surrounding communities impacted by Hurricane Gustav. The center will open Wednesday, September 10 in Metairie and will operate Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Louisiana Greater New Orleans Region
UNO Jefferson Center
3330 North Causeway Blvd., Suite 422
Metairie, LA 70002
(504) 831-3730
Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, LSBDC GNOR and JEDCO will be offering:
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Assessment and business recovery/continuity strategy
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SBA Disaster Loan information and application process (Businesses and Home)
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FEMA Assistance Information, IRS updates for impacted businesses and information on recovery assistance from the State of Louisiana
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Tax incentives for certain types of businesses
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Non-disaster related loans and financing
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HUD Community Development Block Grant Loans: $10,000 - $150,000 for working capital and equipment.
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Economic Development Administration Loans: $25,000 - $150,000 for equipment and working capital
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Free high-quality and confidential consulting with a team of experienced business professionals in a wide variety of disciplines and industries, including: accounting, marketing, sales, management, real estate, finance, human resources, franchising, websites/e-commerce, restaurants, health care, international trade, and more.
Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations may apply to SBA for low-interest disaster loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace damage to real estate, leasehold improvements, 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 and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes, SBA also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs created by the disaster. Many small businesses are suffering financial losses caused by extended power outages, even though they have not suffered any property damage. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered property damage.
To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, disaster victims should first register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by calling (800) 621-3362, or visit their web site at http://www.fema.gov/.
