Bridging the Gap: How the Small Business Association is Helping Communities Recover from the Recent Bridge Collapse

The Small Business Association (SBA) has established three recovery centers to assist those affected by the recent bridge collapse. One of these centers will be permanent, and the SBA has already disbursed 59 loans to impacted businesses, totaling $34 million. Despite these efforts, the SBA acknowledges that more can be done to support communities in need, particularly those that are underserved.

Dilawar Syed, Deputy Administrator of the SBA, emphasizes the importance of reaching all communities, including those with language barriers. In some cases, there is a need for Spanish language translation and support for individuals from various parts of South America who have unique needs. The SBA is committed to providing assistance to a diverse range of businesses and individuals affected by the disaster.

In addition to the loans already distributed, the SBA is launching a reconsideration campaign for businesses that were initially unsuccessful in obtaining financial support. The deadline to apply for reconsideration is December 30, and interested parties are encouraged to seek further information on the recovery centers by visiting the SBA website.