Businesses affected by Hurricane Ida can seek help at SBA Business Recovery Centers

LAPLACE, LOUISIANA – AUGUST 30: Alonzo Lewis rescues items from his mother’s home after it was destroyed by Hurricane Ida on August 30, 2021 in Laplace, Louisiana. Ida made landfall August 29 as a category 4 storm southwest of New Orleans. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

by: Michael Scheidt

Posted: Sep 21, 2021 / 07:30 PM AST

Updated: Sep 21, 2021 / 04:42 PM AST

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (BRPROUD) — LaPlace was hit particularly hard during Hurricane Ida.

Any businesses that were affected by the storm will have an opportunity to get some help starting on Wednesday, September 22.

An SBA Business Recovery Center is opening in St. John the Baptist Parish.

“Due to the severe property damage and economic losses Hurricane Ida inflicted on businesses in Louisiana, 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. “The center will provide a one-stop location for businesses to access a variety of specialized help. SBA customer service representatives and Louisiana Small Business Development Center advisors will be available to meet individually with each business owner,” she added. No appointment is necessary. All services are provided free of charge.

Information about the newest SBA Business Recovery Center can be found below:

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH:

River Region Chamber of Commerce
390 Belle Terre Blvd.
LaPlace, LA 70068
Opens 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22
Mondays – Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

If you can’t make it to the business center in LaPlace, the U.S. Small Business Administration also has representatives at these two other locations:

LAFOURCHE PARISH
South Louisiana Economic Council
Nicholls State University
322 Audubon Ave.
Thibodaux, LA 70310
Opens 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21
Mondays – Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

TANGIPAHOA PARISH
Southeastern Louisiana Business Center
Small Business Development Center
1514 Martens Drive
Hammond, LA 70401
Opens 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 23
Thursdays – Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

If you can’t make it to any of the business centers, business owners can also apply online at USBA.

“SBA 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,” Garfield said.

Business owners should keep these two deadlines in mind: