Posted: Aug 14, 2023, 5:25 PM
Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Louisiana businesses and residents affected by the severe storms and straight-line winds that occurred June 10 - 18 causing wide-spread damage across the northwestern part of the state.
With the disaster declaration, Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance is available to qualified applicants in Bossier, Caddo, De Soto and Red River Parishes in Louisiana; Lafayette and Miller counties in Arkansas; and Cass, Harrison, Marion and Panola counties in Texas.
SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said the agency acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request received from Gov. John Bel Edwards on Aug. 10.
“We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild,” Guzman said.
Ian Snellgrove, director of the Bossier Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, said the assistance is available only to those who qualify.
"Persons must make application and qualify since this is a loan at a very low interest rate," he said. "It's not a guarantee of assistance and it must be repaid just like any other loan. But, this is an opportunity to seek assistance for individuals and businesses."
Beginning Monday, Aug. 14, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Shreveport to answer questions about the disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application. No appointment is necessary. Location and hours of operation are:
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Independence Stadium
Media Room
3301 Pershing Blvd.
Shreveport, LA
Open 1 p.m. Monday, August 14
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Close 5 p.m., Friday, August 25