Assistance for your business available

Businesses in Lee County may qualify for low interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration as a result of economic losses believed to be created by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

Despite the fact that no oil has hit the shores of Lee County and none is expected, small businesses which do not qualify for economic loss grants from British Petroleum (BP), may qualify for the newly approved Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) approved late last week. These loans offer up to $2 million at 3 percent or 4 percent interest for up to 30 years.

The EIDLs are working capital loans designed to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster in the Gulf. The loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 14, 2011. For more information contact SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at (800) 695-2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance .

Again here are some helpful numbers:

BP Claims & Compensation
800-440-0858
Report claims of damage to BP

BP Oil Reporting Line
866-448-5816
Report contaminated shoreline

Alternative Response Technology
281-366-5511
Ideas and Input from the Public

VOSS Submission
281-366-5511
Submit as a Vessel of Opportunity

Florida Oil Information Hotline
888-337-3569
General Questions and Information

Wildlife Distress Hotline
866-557-1401
Report injured or oiled animals

FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation
888-404-3922
Report persons harassing sea/shorebirds

Gasoline Price Gouging
800-435-7352
Report price gouging

AG Fraud Hotline
866-966-7226
Report Fraud

Joint Information Center
985-902-5240
Items not addressed above

National Response Center
800-424-8802
Official Use Only

FL Dept of State Hotline
850-245-6530
Archeological and Historic Preservation

US Small Business Administration
800-659-2955
Information regarding disaster loans

Thank you,

Tamara Pigott

Executive Director