The U.S. Small Business Association is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to California businesses and residents affected by the Erskine Fire.
SBA declared disaster under its own authority after the July 22 denial of the state’s request for a major disaster declaration for individual assistance. SBA assistance is available in Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura counties.
“Getting our businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA,” SBA administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet said in a press release.
Loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters. Businesses and nonprofits may take up to $2 million to repair or replace assets, and homeowners may get loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace real estate.
Those looking for help can speak to an SBA representative at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center. The address is 7046 Lake Isabella Blvd., Suite 2180 Lake Isabella, CA 93240. The center opens July 27 and will be open Mondays through Fridays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
The filing deadline to return applications for property damage is Sept. 26, 2016. The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 26, 2017.
