SBA to Open Business Recovery Center in Chico to Help Businesses Impacted by the Wildfires

SACRAMENTO, California, Nov. 15 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:

The U.S. Small Business Administration today announced the opening of an SBA Business Recovery Center in Chico to provide a wide range of services to businesses impacted by the wildfires that began Nov. 8, 2018. The center will open at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 16.

"Due to the severe property damage and economic losses wildfires inflicted on California 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.

"At the center 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 apply online," Garfield said. No appointment is necessary.

BUTTE COUNTY

SBA Business Recovery Center

Chico Mall

(former Sears building)

1982 E. 20th St.

Chico, CA 95928

Opens 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16

Mondays - Sundays, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

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.

For business owners who are unable to visit the business recovery center, they may apply online using SBA's secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. SBA representatives are also available to meet with business owners and residents at the disaster recovery center.

Applicants may 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 [email protected] 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 Jan. 11, 2019. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Aug. 12, 2019.