A press release from the U.S. Small Business Administration:
Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to California businesses and residents affected by the December 12 Humboldt County earthquake. Isabella Casillas Guzman, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced that aftershocks will continue on December 20, 2022. Acting under its own authority, the SBA declares a disaster in response to a request that the SBA receives from the Governor. Gavin Newsom’s designated representative, Mark S. Ghilarducci, Director of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. 30th of 2022.
The disaster declaration enables SBA to receive assistance in Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Siskiyou and Trinity counties.
“SBA’s mission-driven teams stand ready to help small businesses and residents in California affected by the Humboldt County earthquake,” said Administrator Guzman. “We are committed to delivering federal disaster loans quickly and efficiently through a client-focused approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”
“Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofits, homeowners and renters whose property was damaged or destroyed during this disaster,” said Tanya N. Garfield said – West. “Starting Monday, Jan. 9, SBA Customer Service Representatives will be on-site at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Centers to answer questions about the SBA Disaster Loan Program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application,” Garfield continued . The center will be open on the following dates and times. No appointment required.
Humboldt County
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Rhone Entertainment Hall
7 Park Street Fortuna, CA 95540
- Open Monday, January at 8:00am. Friday, January 9pm to 4:30pm 27
- Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
- Closed on Mondays in January. 16-year-old Martin Luther King Jr.holiday
Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, inventory and other business assets. The SBA can also provide additional funding to businesses and homeowners to help cover the cost of improvements to protect, prevent, or minimize future damage from the same types of disasters.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs resulting from a disaster. Economic loss assistance is available regardless of whether a business has suffered any property damage.
Homeowners can receive up to $200,000 in disaster loans to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
Rates can be as low as 3.305% for businesses, as low as 2.375% for private nonprofits, and as low as 2.313% for 30 years for homeowners and renters. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial situation.
Applicants can apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at https://disasterloanaassistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also contact SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA Disaster Assistance. For those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech impairment, dial 7-1-1 for Telecom Relay Service. Completed applications should be mailed to the U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Payment Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The deadline to file property damage claims is March 6, 2023. The deadline to file for economic damages is October 1. 4th of 2023.
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Recently, US SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced a policy change granting 12 months of no payments and 0% interest. This covers all disaster loans approved in response to disasters declared on or after September 21, 2022 through September 30, 2023. This includes the SBA disaster loans currently available for Hurricanes Fiona and Ian announced earlier this year. This policy change will benefit disaster survivors and help them lower their overall recovery costs by reducing the accrued interest they must repay. Details are available through the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955. Individuals with speech or hearing disabilities can access the Telecom Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm ET, or by email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.