04/10/2007: "SBA Offers Windstorm Aid to Small Businesses"

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today the availability of Economic Injury Disaster Loans to small businesses that suffered business interruption losses as a result of the severe windstorm that occurred December 14 and 15, 2006. The declaration makes these loans available to small business owners in San Juan as well as 15 other Washington Counties.

The majority of the damage was reported in the King County area, where this storm caused a record setting number of power outages, affecting nearly 200,000 Seattle City Light customers. The SBA declaration comes as a result of a request made by Governor Christine Gregoire, and makes low interest loans available for fixed debts, payroll, and other bills that can’t be paid because of the storms impact.

Small Business Administration staff will be issuing loan applications out of their Seattle District Office. Businesses in San Juan County that experienced business interruption losses as a result of the December windstorm can obtain information by calling the Small Business Administration toll-free at (800) 659-2955, or (916) 847-2612. The deadline to apply for these loans is January 9, 2008.