CAPITOLA – The U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Small Business Development Center opened the SBA Business Recovery Center in Capitola on Friday, which will provide a variety of services to businesses affected by the impact of recent winter storms.
“We want to provide every service to help California businesses get back on their feet after the massive property damage and economic losses that have occurred,” said Tanya N. Garfield, director of the Small Business Association, in a press release. “The center provides a one-stop shop for a variety of specialized assistance for businesses.”
The center is located on the first floor of Capitola City Hall’s community room and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition to the business recovery center, Santa Cruz County announced Friday that federal officials have opened a disaster recovery center in Watsonville’s Ramsey Park that will open in the San Lorenzo Valley. The Ramsey Park Disaster Recovery Center includes disaster recovery from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, California Office of Emergency Services, Santa Cruz County, City of Watsonville and various state, local and community agencies as part of their mission.
Ramsay Park Trauma Recovery Center is located at 1301 Main St., Watsonville. It is open daily from 9 am – 7 pm The deadline to apply for FEMA individual assistance is March 16.
SBA representatives meet with business owners at the Business Recovery Center to explain the ins and outs of SBA disaster loans and to help them complete their electronic loan applications.
Businesses of any size and private nonprofit organizations can 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 remedies.
Brandon Smoos, director of the Santa Cruz Small Business Development Center, said business advisors can help small business owners rebuild their businesses, overcome the effects of disaster and help clients plan for their future.
“Services include assessing business capital needs, assessing business strength and cash flow forecasting,” Small said in a press release. “Most importantly, an evaluation of options with the business owner so they can evaluate their options and make the best decisions for their situation.”
To small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses, and most private, non-profit organizations of any size, the SBA provides economic disaster disaster loans to help meet working capital needs due to disasters. Help is available no matter what property damage the business suffers.
SBA representatives also continue to meet with business owners and residents at disaster recovery centers. Business owners who are unable to visit a Business Recovery Center can apply online through the SBA’s secure website at disasterloanaassistance.sba.gov.
For a list of locations and additional disaster assistance information, visit sba.gov/disaster.
