Low interest loans could be yours
To the editor:
Businesses in Lee County may qualify for low interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration as a result of economic losses believed to be created by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.
Despite the fact that no oil has hit the shores of Lee County and none is expected, small businesses which do not qualify for economic loss grants from British Petroleum, may qualify for the newly approved Economic Injury Disaster Loan approved recently. These loans offer up to $2 million at 3 percent or 4 percent interest for up to 30 years.
The EIDLs are working capital loans designed to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster in the Gulf. The loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
The deadline to apply is Feb. 14, 2011. For more information contact SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at (800) 695-2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.
Again here are some helpful numbers:
– BP Claims & Compensation: 800-440-0858/Report claims of damage to BP
– BP Oil Reporting Line: 866-448-5816/Report contaminated shoreline
– Alternative Response Technology: 281-366-5511/Ideas and Input from the Public
– VOSS Submission: 281-366-5511/Submit as a Vessel of Opportunity
– Florida Oil Information Hotline: 888-337-3569/General Questions and Information
– Wildlife Distress Hotline: 866-557-1401/Report injured or oiled animals
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation: 888-404-3922/Report persons harassing sea/shorebirds
– Gasoline Price Gouging: 800-435-7352/Report price gouging
– AG Fraud Hotline: 866-966-7226/Report Fraud
– Joint Information Center: 985-902-5240/Items not addressed above
– National Response Center: 800-424-8802/Official Use Only
– Florida Dept. of State Hotline: 850-245-6530/Archeological and Historic Preservation
– US Small Business Administration: 800-659-2955/Information regarding disaster loans
Tamara Pigott
Executive Director
Lee VCB