2. Who We Are & What We Do: Disaster Recovery
May 29, 2018
My goal as SBA’s regional administrator here in the Great Lakes region is to listen to our stakeholders, including you, to better understand how we can continue our great work, improve where we need to, and spread the word about the services and support we offer to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
It’s why I’m here today and as I do this, I’m listening to better understand how we can continue the great work that’s been done at the SBA and also improve where we need to so our support for small business starts, growth and job creation is appropriately allocated and delivered. I’m already hearing small businesses will benefit with easier access to funding and a more appropriately skilled workforce. And, the recent tax cuts are allowing small businesses to plan more effectively and reinvest in their companies, hiring more employees and raising wages. 
I am seeking feedback on ways we can enhance the agency’s efforts in both urban and rural communities, which are key to job creation and investments. I’m also looking to ensure we reach small towns and cities, as well as underserved audiences in all areas with an equal level and quality of assistance. And, for those small business owners who are already a bit established, I want to learn about what could help them better scale.
I appreciate this opportunity to share our message and look forward to your input as I go along.

3. SBA Disaster Assistance
Small business owners invest a tremendous amount of time, money and resources to make their ventures successful, yet, many owners fail to properly plan and prepare for disaster situations. 
According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, an estimated 25 percent of businesses do not reopen following a major disaster. You can protect your business by identifying the risks associated with natural and man- made disasters, and by creating a plan for action should a disaster strike. By keeping those plans updated, you can help ensure the survival of your business.
02 June 2017

4. SBA Disaster Assistance
What can the SBA do for small business owners, homeowners and renters who may be impacted if a disaster is declared in South Florida?
02 June 2017

5. SBA Disaster Assistance
02 June 2017

6. SBA Disaster Loans Options
The SBA and USDA provide low interest loans to businesses and individuals to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster.
Home and Property Disaster Loans Renters and homeowners alike may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars, appliances, etc. damaged or destroyed in the disaster. Homeowners may apply for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence to its pre-disaster condition.
Disaster Assistance Loans SBA provides low interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery & equipment, inventory and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster.
Economic Injury Loans If your small business or private, nonprofit organization has suffered economic injury, regardless of physical damage, and is located in a declared disaster area, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
02 June 2017

7. SBA Disaster Loans Options (con’t)
The SBA and USDA provide low interest loans to businesses and individuals to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster.
Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loans Provides funds to eligible small businesses to meet their ordinary and necessary operating expenses that they were unable to meet due to an essential employee being "called-up" to active duty in their role as a military reservist.
Farm Emergency Loans Offers emergency loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters, or quarantine.
02 June 2017

8. Disaster Loan Application Forms
SBA’s Customer Service Center
( for the deaf and hard-of-hearing)
to Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA’s website at
Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA’s website at
02 June 2017

9. South Florida District Office
For more information, please contact:
Heather Hines
100 S. Biscayne Blvd, 7th Floor
Miami, Florida 33131
Telephone: ext. 104
Website: