Nov. 6, the same day this issue of the Sun came out, is the last day to fax in paperwork for an Economic Injury Loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA). On Nov. 6, the county is sending in the paperwork for local businesses that lost revenue during the Gap Fire.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loans are intended to help businesses through the disaster recovery period. They can be used for working capital available to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private, nonprofit organizations to meet ordinary financial obligations that can’t be met as a direct result of the fire.
The loans are available even if a business didn’t suffer any physical damage. Current Economic Injury Disaster Loans are made at a four-percent interest rate, and eligible small businesses may borrow up to $2 million. To apply for a loan, a business must complete the “estimated disaster economic injury worksheet for businesses” available online at countyofsb.org/ceo/oes. The completed form must be sent by fax to the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Services at 560-1032.
Business owners with questions can contact Richard Abrams, supervising planner/coordinator with the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Services, at 681-5567.
Biz Briefs is compiled by Sports Editor Sarah E. Thien. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
