CAPITOLA — The US Small Business Administration and the California Small Business Development Center opened an SBA Business Recovery Center in Capitola on Friday, which will provide a range of services to businesses affected by the effects of recent winter storms.
“Due to the severe property damage and economic losses caused to California businesses, we want to provide all available services to help them get back on their feet,” Small Business Association Director Tanya N. Garfield said in a news release. “The center will provide businesses with a one-stop shop to access a variety of specialized assistance.”
The center is located inside the Capitola City Hall community room on the first floor and will be open from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday.
In addition to the Business Recovery Center, Santa Cruz County announced Friday that federal officials have opened a disaster recovery center at Ramsay Park in Watsonville, and another is set to open in the San Lorenzo Valley. The Ramsay Park Disaster Recovery Center includes personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the California Office of Emergency Services, Santa Cruz County, the City of Watsonville, and various state, local and community agencies that include disaster recovery as part of their mission.
The Ramsay Park Disaster Recovery Center is located at 1301 Main St., Watsonville. It is open every day from 9 am to 7 pm. The deadline to apply for FEMA individual assistance is March 16.
SBA representatives will meet with business owners at the Business Recovery Center to explain the details of SBA emergency loans and help them complete their electronic loan applications.
Businesses of any size and private nonprofits can 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.
According to Santa Cruz Small Business Development Center Director Brandon Small, business counselors can assist clients with a wide range of issues designed to help small business owners rebuild their businesses, overcome the effects of a disaster and plan for their future.
“Services include assessment of business working capital needs, assessment of business strength and cash flow projections,” Small said in a press release. “Most importantly, review the options with the business owner to help them evaluate their alternatives and make decisions that are appropriate for their situation.”
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses, and most private, nonprofit organizations of any size, the SBA offers economic disaster loans to meet working capital needs caused by a disaster. Help is available regardless of whether the company has suffered any material damage.
SBA representatives also continue to meet with business owners and residents at disaster recovery centers. Business owners who are unable to visit a business recovery center can apply online through the SBA’s secure website at disasterloanaassistance.sba.gov.
For a list of locations and additional information about disaster relief, visit sba.gov/disaster.