301.519.9237 exdirector@nesaus.org
A Walgreen’s that sustained heavy damage during Hurricane Ida in Cut Off. The U.S. Small Business Administration will open SBA recovery centers in New Orleans and Cut Off this week to help businesses affected by Ida. STAFF PHOTO BY LESLIE WESTBROOK

9.28.21 – NOLA — The Times-Picayune business staff

Services include assessing working capital needs, evaluating business strength, projecting cash flow

The U.S. Small Business Administration will open SBA recovery centers in New Orleans and Cut Off this week to help businesses affected by Ida.

A center at the headquarters of the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, 2021 Lakeshore Drive, will be open Mondays through Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are required; to schedule one, email FOCWAssistance@SBA.gov with the subject line “Appointment Requested”. 

The Cut Off recovery center will be at Callais Office Supply, 14402 W. Main St. It is set to open Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.https://1454c01a5651b1fd2708a16196a9ddea.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

The centers will provide a one-stop shop for businesses to access a variety of specialized help. SBA customer service representatives and Louisiana Small Business Development Center advisers will be available to meet with each business owner. All services are free.

Services include assessing working capital needs, evaluating the business’ strength, projecting cash flow and reviewing options with owners to help them evaluate alternatives and make decisions.

Businesses of any size, and private nonprofit organizations, may borrow as much as $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other assets. These loans cover losses that are not fully covered by insurance or other sources.

Business owners unable to visit the recovery center may apply online using SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/.