Resources available for small businesses and nonprofits following storm
Small businesses and nonprofits that experienced damage from winter storms are getting help from the SBA and other federal agencies after much of the region was declared a major disaster.
Officials in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties are setting up disaster recovery centers. Ventura County is not included in the major disaster declaration but as an adjacent county, there are resources available on a case-by-case basis.
SBA low-interest loans are available for nonprofits and small businesses that have suffered economic damage or physical damage from the storms. The loans can cover damage that insurance won’t cover in terms of property damage. Application deadlines are March 16 for physical damage and October for economic injury claims.
Disaster recovery offices are being planned for Direct Relief in Santa Barbara and Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, according to Santa Barbara County officials. The SLO County recovery center is in the Veteran’s Hall in SLO at 801 Grand Avenue. The recovery centers have information about FEMA relief grants, possible U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance and local help, as well as SBA resources.
Across all three counties a variety of services are being offered including temporary tax relief, help with debris removal and Red Cross cleanup kits.
For more information small business owners and nonprofits from Santa Barbara and SLO counties are encouraged to visit www.disasterassistance.gov or people could also call 1 (800) 621-3362 for assistance.
If you are not able to live in your home at this time due to storm impact causing water damage, mold, mud or inability to access your home, please make sure you include this in your application, FEMA said.
Also, people should visit disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ to receive help from the Small Business Administration.
Emergency tax relief can also be requested. People should visit cdtfa.ca.gov/services/state-of-emergency-tax-relief.htm.
If you are in Ventura County, visit www.vcemergency.com/ to remain up-to-date on the aid available to members of that county.
For those who suffered more than $10,000 in damage from Jan. 9th through the 10th should file a claim by visiting the County of Ventura’s Assessor Office and emailing the application to assessor.disaster@ventura.org.
The Economic Development Collaborative is also available and providing no cost advising to businesses impacted by the disaster. Visit calendly.com/edc-sbdc to make an appointment.
