CAPITOLA — The U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Small Business Development Center opened an SBA Business Recovery Center in Capitola Friday, which will provide a variety of services to businesses that were impacted by the effects of the recent winter storms.
“Due to the severe property damage and economic losses inflicted on California businesses, we want to provide every available service to help get them back on their feet,” said Small Business Association Director Tanya N. Garfield in a press release. “The center will provide a one-stop location for businesses to access a variety of specialized help.”
The center is located inside Capitola City Hall’s community room on the first floor and will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
In addition to the Business Recovery Center, Santa Cruz County announced Friday that federal officials opened a disaster recovery center at Ramsay Park in Watsonville, with another set to open in San Lorenzo Valley. The Ramsay Park Disaster Recovery Center includes staff 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 daily from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. The deadline to apply for FEMA individual assistance is March 16.
Representatives from the SBA will meet with business owners at the Business Recovery Center to explain the ins and outs of SBA disaster loans and help them to complete their electronic loan applications.
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.
According to Santa Cruz Small Business Development Center Director Brandon Small, business advisers can provide 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 working capital needs, evaluating the business’s strength and cash flow projections,” Small said in a press release. “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.”
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. Assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property 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 may apply online using SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov.
For a list of locations and additional disaster assistance information, visit sba.gov/disaster.
