LED Joins SBA, Other Partners To Establish Business Recovery Centers

BATON ROUGE, La. – The U.S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Economic Development and the Louisiana Small Business Development Center Network announced the opening of five Business Recovery Centers to assist businesses impacted by severe storms and flooding that began March 8 in Louisiana. The centers will open Wednesday, March 23 in Bossier, Ouachita, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes.

“LED spearheaded this partnership with SBA, our Small Business Development Centers and our regional economic development partners,” LED Secretary Don Pierson said. “These highly trained and experienced teams of consultants will be available to provide business consulting services designed to help these business owners re-establish their operations and plan for their future.”

SBA customer service representatives will be available at each recovery center to meet individually with business owners to explain how an SBA disaster loan can help finance their recovery. Louisiana Small Business Development Center consultants will provide counseling to help small business owners with a range of recovery issues. Services include assessing business economic injury, evaluating the business’s strength, cash flow projections and a review of all options to ensure each business makes appropriate decisions for its situation.

“These centers will provide a single one-stop location for businesses to access a variety of specialized help,” said Michael Ricks, SBA’s Louisiana District Director. “No appointment is necessary, and all services are provided free of charge. We can answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application.”

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.

Business owners may also apply online using SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela or get help from SBA representatives at any Disaster Recovery Center in Louisiana. Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. For more disaster assistance information, or to download applications, visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Business Recovery Centers will open at the times and locations below:

Monroe (Ouachita Parish)
University of Louisiana at Monroe
University Advancement Building
3601 DeSiard Street
Monroe LA 71209
Opens: Wednesday, March 23 at 8 a.m.
Mondays through Fridays: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bossier City (Bossier Parish)
Knights of Columbus
5400 E. Texas Street
Bossier City LA 71111
Opens: Wednesday, March 23 – 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Mondays and Tuesdays: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesdays: 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Thursdays and Fridays: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hammond (Tangipahoa Parish)
Hammond Chamber of Commerce
400 NW Railroad Avenue
Hammond LA 70401
Opens: Wednesday, March 23 at 9 a.m.
Mondays through Fridays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(Closed: Friday, March 25)

Covington (St. Tammany Parish)
Greater Covington Center
317 North Jefferson Avenue
Covington LA 70433
Opens: Wednesday, March 23 at 9 a.m.
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(Closed: Friday, March 25)

Bogalusa (Washington Parish)
YMCA
411 Avenue B
Bogalusa LA 70427
Opens: Thursday, March 24 at 9 a.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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