Amid the aftermath of the recent bridge collapse, the Small Business Association (SBA) swiftly established its first Business Recovery Center to aid those affected by the disaster. In an update provided on Friday, the SBA announced that they have now opened three recovery centers, one of which will be permanent. They have already disbursed 59 loans to impacted businesses, totaling $34 million. Although these efforts are commendable, the SBA acknowledges that more needs to be done to support communities in need, particularly those that are underserved.
According to Dilawar Syed, Deputy Administrator of the SBA, there is a focus on reaching all communities, including those with language barriers. In some cases, there is a need for Spanish language translation and support for individuals from various parts of South America who have unique needs. The SBA is committed to providing assistance to a diverse range of businesses and individuals affected by the disaster.
In addition to the loans already distributed, the SBA is launching a reconsideration campaign for businesses that were initially unsuccessful in obtaining financial support. The deadline to apply for reconsideration is December 30, and interested parties are encouraged to seek further information on the recovery centers by visiting the SBA website.
The SBA has recognized that more can be done to help communities in need and has taken steps to ensure that their recovery efforts reach all affected individuals. With three recovery centers now open and additional resources being made available, it’s clear that they are dedicated to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs as they recover from this disaster.