The U.S Small Business Administration today announced the opening of an SBA Business Recovery Center in Bellevue.
“Due to the severe property damage and economic losses the severe winter storm, straight-line winds and flooding inflicted on Nebraska businesses, we want to provide every available service to help get them back on their feet,” said SBA’s Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West. “The center will provide a one-stop location for businesses to access a variety of specialized help. SBA customer service representatives will be available to meet individually with each business owner,” she added. No appointment is necessary. All services are provided free of charge.
The Sarpy County Business Recovery Center will be located inside the Bellevue University John Muller Administrative Services Building at 812 Bruin Blvd. It will open at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27th. Hours of operation are Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“SBA customer service 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,” Garfield said.
According to State Director Catherine Lang, Nebraska Business Development Center business consultants will provide business assistance to clients on a wide variety of matters. “Services include assessing business working capital needs, evaluating the business’s 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,” she said.
According to Garfield, 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.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications a by clicking here.
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov 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 May 20, 2019. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Dec. 23, 2019.