The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the opening of two Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) in Ascension Parish to assist local businesses impacted by Hurricane Francine. These centers, located in Gonzales and Donaldsonville, will provide essential services to help business owners recover, re-establish operations, and plan for the future.
The Gonzales Business Recovery Center is housed at the Ascension Credit Union, 2430 South Burnside. It will operate every Monday and Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In Donaldsonville, the BRC is located at the Ascension Credit Union, 2256 LA 70. It will be open every Wednesday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The SBA Business Recovery Centers will offer a wide range of services, including:
- Assessing working capital needs
- Evaluating business strength and cash flow projections
- Helping business owners explore alternatives and make informed decisions about their future
Local businesses may be eligible for SBA Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory, and other assets. These loans are available for uninsured losses, with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses, 3.25% for private nonprofit organizations, and 2.813% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years.
"Our advisors will be on hand to guide small business owners through the recovery process, offering critical insights to help them rebuild and prepare for the future," said an SBA spokesperson.
The SBA remains committed to supporting the recovery of communities impacted by Hurricane Francine, ensuring local businesses have access to the resources needed to rebuild and thrive.