News from: U.S. Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, announced today that SBA will close its San Diego and Spring Valley Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in San Diego County at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 23.

“SBA opened the centers to provide personalized assistance to California businesses and residents who were affected by the severe storm and flooding that occurred Jan. 21 – 23. Until the centers close, SBA customer service representatives will continue to be available to meet with businesses and residents to answer their questions, explain SBA’s disaster loan program and close their approved disaster loans,” said Sánchez.

Businesses and residents can meet with SBA representatives on the days and times as indicated below. No appointment is necessary.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY Disaster Loan Outreach Center Mountain View Community Center Meeting Room 641 S Boundary St. San Diego, CA 92113 Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closes at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 23 SAN DIEGO COUNTY Disaster Loan Outreach Center Spring Valley Library 836 Kempton St. Spring Valley, CA 91977 Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays, 12 – 6 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closes at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 23

Even though the deadline to apply for a loan for property damage has passed, small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size still have until Nov. 19 to apply for an economic injury disaster loan to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

Interest rates are 4 percent for businesses and 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.