Help for Small Businesses

Businesses employing fewer than 500 employees are eligible for relief from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Bernard Kulik, assistant administrator in charge of the SBA’s disaster assistance program, suggests that small-business owners collect the following information before visiting a disaster assistance center to apply for a n SBA loan:

If books and records were destroyed, try to reconstruct your current financial records with the help of your accountant or tax preparer.

Ask your suppliers and vendors for copies of recent purchase orders and invoices so you can estimate your inventory and begin calculating your losses.

Bring in before and after pictures of your business, if at all possible.

Call your insurance agent and file claims as soon as possible. You can collect insurance money and apply for an SBA disaster loan at the same time.