Preparing to Apply for Disaster Assistance with the SBA & FEMA

Natural disasters are not just more devastating; they are also coming faster, more frequently, and are often rapidly changing in their complexity and scope. In 2020, the United States suffered 22 separate billion-dollar disasters —the most in our history— but experts in the space expect that number to continue to climb. Fighting climate change and preparing America to adapt to its impacts has been and will remain a priority for the Biden-Harris Administration - and supporting that readiness is a critical component of the SBA’s work under Administrator Guzman. As Hurricane Season Approaches, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to Prioritize Equitably Supporting Impacted Communities Through Disaster Assistance, Mitigation, and Business Preparedness Efforts. It is more important than ever for residents and small businesses to remember that the best course of action to limit damage from natural disasters is preparing before the disaster hits. The SBA is ensuring its products and services are simple and flexible enough to meet small businesses where they are and help them prepare, manage and recover from the growing disaster threats, including pandemics, cybersecurity and increased natural disasters due to climate changes. This seminar informs you on how to be ready when disaster hits. The following topics will be covered: 1. Setting up your login.gov account to access the SBA Disaster Application Page 2. Eligibility requirements and completing the SBA Disaster Application 3. Coverage of the checklist of documents required to submit with the SBA application and the importance of saving documents to have access when needed following the disaster 4. Mitigation assistance from SBA 5. How to get approved the first time 6. What to do when referred to SBA by FEMA 7. What to do if you are denied for a SBA loan 8. How to get additional information when needed 9. The role of FEMA, and the what assistance is available through them 10. Who is eligible for assistance from FEMA and how to apply

Speaker(s): Jo Ann Lawrence - Deputy District Director Louisiana District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) FEMA Representative Carmen Sunda - Director, LSBDC Greater New Orleans Region

Co-Sponsor(s): SBA, FEMA, Xavier University of Louisiana Entrepreneurship Institute

Remember to press "continue" after registration to sign up for your Zoom login credentials.

Fee: No Cost