SBA to Open Business Recovery Centers in Beaumont and Missouri City to Help Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Harvey

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 14 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:

The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Texas Gulf Coast Small Business Development Center Network today announced the opening of SBA Business Recovery Centers in Beaumont and Missouri City on Friday, Sept. 15 to provide a wide range of services to businesses impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The centers will open as indicated below.

"Due to the severe property damage and economic losses Hurricane Harvey inflicted on businesses in Texas, we want to provide every available service to help get them back on their feet," said SBA's Houston District Director Tim Jeffcoat. "The centers will provide a one-stop location for businesses to access a variety of specialized help. SBA customer service representatives and SBDC business advisors will be available to meet individually with each business owner," he added. No appointment is necessary. All services are provided free of charge.

FORT BEND COUNTY

Fort Bend County Sienna Annex

5855 Sienna Springs Way, Room 111

Missouri City, TX 77459

Opens 7 a.m. Friday, Sept. 15

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

JEFFERSON COUNTY

Lamar University

Center for Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship (CICE)

5091 Rolfe Christopher Drive

Beaumont, TX 77705

Opens 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 15

Mondays - Fridays, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturdays - Sundays, 9 a.m. - 4 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," Jeffcoat said.

According to Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network Executive Director Dr. Steve Lawrence, SBDC business advisors at the center will provide business assistance to clients on a wide variety of matters designed to help small business owners re-establish their operations, overcome the effects of the disaster and plan for their future. Services include assessing business economic injury, 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.

"In addition, customer service representatives and SBDC advisors continue to be available at the following Business Recovery Centers to provide information on SBA disaster loans and business assistance," Jeffcoat continued.

The following centers are open until further notice:

ARANSAS COUNTY

Women's Club of Aransas County

1104 Concho St.

Rockport, TX 78382

Mondays - Fridays, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

HARRIS COUNTY

University of Houston

Small Business Development Center Region Office

2302 Fannin St., 3rd Floor

Houston, TX 77002

Mondays - Fridays, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

NUECES COUNTY

Port Aransas Community Center

(next to the museum)

408 N. Alister St.

Port Aransas, TX 78373

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

According to Jeffcoat, 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 also continue to meet with business owners and residents at disaster recovery centers located throughout the impacted area. For a list of locations, or to receive additional disaster assistance information, visit SBA's website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. 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 Oct. 24, 2017. The deadline to apply for economic injury is May 25, 2018.