The U.S. Small Business Administration and the SWLA Economic Development Alliance announced the reopening of an SBA Business Recovery Center in Lake Charles on Thursday, Oct. 15, to provide a wide range of services to businesses impacted by Hurricane Laura that occurred Aug. 22-27, 2020.  

“The center will provide a one-stop location for businesses to access a variety of specialized help. SBA customer service representatives will be available to meet individually with each business owner,” said SBA’s Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West.

Due to the COVID pandemic, services are provided by appointment only and all services are provided free of charge. To schedule an appointment to meet with an SBA customer service representative please call the SWLA Economic Development Alliance at (337) 433-3632. The center will open as indicated below. 

CALCASIEU PARISH Business Recovery Center 

Southwest Entrepreneurial and Economic Development (SEED) Center 

Willis Noland Conference Center, Second Floor

 4310 Ryan St. Lake Charles, LA 70605 

Opens at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 

Mondays - Fridays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

“SBA customer service 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,” said Garfield.  

So far, SBA has approved more than $300 million in federal disaster loans for Louisiana businesses and residents impacted by this terrible disaster. According to Garfield, SBA has approved $9,996,900 for businesses and $293,199,400 for residents to help rebuild and recover from this disaster.  

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.  

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. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.  

For business owners who are unable to visit the business recovery center, they may apply online using SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/.  

SBA representatives will meet with business owners and residents at disaster recovery centers located throughout the impacted area as they are established. For a list of locations, or to receive additional disaster assistance information, visit SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155. 

The deadline to apply for property damage is Oct. 27, 20. The deadline to apply for economic injury is May 28, 2021.