LED Encourages Small Business Participation In Recovery Survey

BATON ROUGE, La. — Today, Louisiana Economic Development encouraged small business owners whose firms were impacted by the floods of March and August 2016 to participate in a statewide survey. Launched by Restore Louisiana, the small business survey is designed to gather crucial data to identify the specific needs of flood-impacted businesses and to support the ongoing development of financial assistance programs.

The state’s Office of Community Development, the Restore Louisiana Task Force and Louisiana Economic Development developed the survey to prioritize small business needs within the broader framework of flood recovery efforts led by Gov. John Bel Edwards. The small business survey is separate from Restore Louisiana’s survey of flood-impacted homeowners.

The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and does not require supporting documentation. The ability to secure state assistance under the Restore Louisiana program does not depend upon survey participation, but the survey results will ensure that the recovery programs are more effective. Businesses may complete the survey now at: http://restore.la.gov/SmallBizSurvey.

“In Louisiana, we have experienced our share of weather-related events, and recovery efforts have demonstrated our true colors by bringing out the best in our people as we face adversities,” LED Secretary Don Pierson said. “We do ourselves a disservice if we do not learn as much as we can from these storms. With the data collected from Restore Louisiana’s small business survey, our federal, state and local governments can refine their approach to serving our people in the most effective manner possible. By fully understanding the needs and issues faced by Louisianans, we can facilitate a stronger recovery and identify best practices for the future.”

Flood-impacted businesses can seek financial help through the Restore Louisiana Small Business Assistance Program. That application process remains open for eligible, flood-impacted companies and nonprofits. The program offers $43 million overall and provides no-interest, partially forgivable loans of $20,000 to $50,000 to applicants. Guidelines and applications are available here.