Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Mary Lynn Wilkerson, State Director
(318) 342-5506 / www.lsbdc.org
Funding for Small Business
If you are in a declared disaster area and have suffered any disaster related damage
you may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. Individuals that are Homeowners
and Renters must register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to obtain
a FEMA Registration ID Number by calling 1-800-621-3362. The speech or hearing
impaired may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Businesses may apply directly to the Small
Business Administration for possible disaster assistance.
SBA Physical Disaster Business Loans
http://www.sba.gov/disaster_recov/loaninfo/phydisaster.html
If your business -- large or small -- has suffered physical damage as a result of a
disaster, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business
Administration. Any business that is located in a declared disaster area and has
incurred damage during the disaster may apply for a loan to help repair or replace
damaged property to its pre-disaster condition. The SBA makes physical disaster
loans of up to $1.5 million to qualified businesses.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans For Small Businesses
http://www.sba.gov/disaster_recov/loaninfo/ecoinjury.html
If your small business has suffered substantial economic injury, regardless of physical
damage, and is located in a declared disaster area, you may be eligible for financial
assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
An EIDL can help you meet necessary financial obligations that your business could
have met had the disaster not occurred. It provides relief from economic injury
caused directly by the disaster and permits you to maintain a reasonable working
capital position during the period affected by the disaster.
The SBA provides EIDL assistance only to those businesses that are determined to be
unable to obtain credit elsewhere. The SBA can provide up to $1.5 million in disaster
assistance to a business. This loan cap includes both economic injury and physical
damage assistance. Your loan amount will be based on your actual economic injury
and financial needs.
SBA Community Express Loans
http://www.blxonline.com/
Low documentation SBA program that gives small businesses the chance to grow, build
credit, and demonstrate their ability to repay a loan. Community Express loans are
designed for people that have difficulty obtaining conventional business loans.
Specifications:
Loan amounts of $5k up to $50k in even $1,000 increments
7 year term - Unsecured
The LSBDC Program is supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Economic
Development, and the participating universities. Services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory
basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions, or services of any external parties or activities.
Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Mary Lynn Wilkerson, State Director
(318) 342-5506 / www.lsbdc.org
Interest Rate
Prime + 4.75% - adjusted quarterly for Loans $5,000 - $25,000
Prime + 3.75% - adjusted quarterly for Loans $26,000 - $50,000
No prepayment penalty
No tax returns
$350 processing fee (will be deducted from loan proceeds)
2% Guaranty Fee for guaranteed portion (85%) of loan deducted from proceeds
Loan Payments are auto drafted from business account
Start up businesses allowed
All industries considered
Eligibility Issues:
Only franchises on SBA approved Registry: www.franchiseregistry.com/registry/
Loan funds for Business Acquisition not allowed
Working capital loan to business after acquisition has been completed is permitted.
Liquid assets of individual owner can not exceed $100,000.00 (does not include IRA’s
or other Retirement Accounts)
Utilizes Fair Isaac Credit Score System, which evaluates credit score of applicant and
industry data (Current and Recent past due accounts and Collection accounts will
have a very negative affect on the borrowers Score and loan decision).
Local Lenders
The financial institutions where you already do business and have a proven track will
be good options to begin with when in need of business financing.
Louisiana Association of Business and Industry
https://www.labi.org/
The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) is a business lobbying group.
It was formed over twenty-five years ago by business leaders from all over the state
and it is a staffed organization that speaks for business and industry, not only during
legislative sessions, but year-round.
Small Business Disaster Relief Fund
http://www.labi.org/assets/docs/news/SBDRFAPPLICATIONFORM.pdf
To be eligible to receive a grant, the applicant must be an owner or principal in a forprofit, private sector business that had fewer than 100 employees on August 29, 2005
(Katrina-related) or September 24, 2005 (Rita-related). Any affected business owner
or operator in a parish or county that has been designated as a primary disaster relief
area by the federal government (the IRS or FEMA) is eligible to apply for a grant. The
business must have suffered substantial losses or the potential of long-term business
interruption as a direct result of Hurricanes Katrina or Rita. This grant is designed to
provide gap funding for elements that insurance will not cover to assist small
businesses’ reentry into the economy. It is not for business owners who are
permanently going out of business.
The LSBDC Program is supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Economic
Development, and the participating universities. Services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory
basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions, or services of any external parties or activities.
Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Mary Lynn Wilkerson, State Director
(318) 342-5506 / www.lsbdc.org
Applications should be completed and mailed to:
SMALL BUSINESS DISASTER RELIEF FUND/BRAF
P.O. Box 80752
Baton Rouge, LA 70898-0752
Applications will be reviewed by an independent committee of business volunteers.
Volunteers will review the application independent of the cover sheet identifying the
name of the business. Business owners and principals whose applications are chosen
by the committee for further consideration will be asked to verify their application
information by supplying copies of tax returns or affidavits of authenticity of
information. The Fund reserves the right to ask for subsequent verification of
information.
Answer the questions to the best of your ability providing as much factual detail as
you think would be helpful to the committee.
Indicate the grant amount you are applying for. Note: There will likely be a dollar
limitation placed on the amount of grants awarded.
Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
http://www.fhlb.com/
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is cooperatively owned wholesale bank that
supports housing and economic development in the communities served by member
institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. FHLB helps
members deliver financial products to fund housing, small business, rural
development and agriculture. Members include commercial banks, savings
institutions, credit unions and insurance companies.
A Special Disaster Relief Grant Program has been designed to address the housing and
community investment needs of communities in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas
affected by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. Applications will be processed on a
first-come, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted.
Economic Development Disaster Relief Grant Program (EDRG):
Provides working capital to small businesses in officially declared disaster areas in
the Ninth District to promote economic development, and create or retain jobs.
Small businesses must create/retain jobs for individuals at or below 120% AMI. The
assisted small business must have resided in a county/parish designated on or after
August 28, 2005 for Individual Assistance by FEMA as a result of Hurricane Katrina or
Hurricane Rita on or after September 24, 2005. All member institutions eligible to
obtain advances through the Bank may apply. Member institutions may apply for a
maximum of $100,000 in EDRG funds; up to $20,000 may be granted to any one small
business.
The LSBDC Program is supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Economic
Development, and the participating universities. Services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory
basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions, or services of any external parties or activities.
Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Mary Lynn Wilkerson, State Director
(318) 342-5506 / www.lsbdc.org
For additional information or questions regarding qualification, please contact the
Bank’s Community Investment Department at 800.362.2944, or visit the Bank’s
website at www.fhlb.com.
Office of Financial Institutions
http://www.ofi.louisiana.gov/
The Office of Financial Institutions (OFI) is responsible for the supervision of various
entities which provide financial services to the citizens of the State of Louisiana.
The BIDCO program promotes the formation of business and industrial development
corporations to help meet the financing assistance and management needs of business
firms in the State.
Business and Industrial Development Corporations (BIDCOs) are licensed and regulated
by the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions for the purpose of making loans to
small businesses located and/or operating in the state. BIDCOs are not authorized to
take deposits and make only business loans. Typically, a BIDCO would provide loans
and growth capital to small business ventures considered too risky for traditional
lenders. BIDCOs may also specialize by investing more than 25% of their financial
assistance portfolio in businesses owned by minorities, women or disabled individuals
or in businesses that operate in economically depressed areas.
The CAPCO program provides tax credits to companies who invest in CAPCOs, which
in turn make equity investments in qualifying Louisiana businesses.
Certified Louisiana Capital Companies (CAPCOs) are licensed and regulated by the
Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions and the Department of Economic
Development. Under the Louisiana Capital Companies Tax Credit Program, investors
are granted tax credits, under certain circumstances, for investing in CAPCOs.
CAPCOs are allowed to invest funds in return for equity in "qualified Louisiana
businesses." This type of financing assistance will encourage and assist in the
creation, development and expansion of Louisiana businesses and provide maximum
opportunities for the employment of Louisiana citizens.
Louisiana SBA Certified Development Companies
Alexandria - Kisatchie Delta Regional Planning - 318-487-5454
Lafayette - Louisiana Capital Certified Development - 337-234-2977
Metairie - JEDCO Development Corporation - 504-833-1881
Monroe - Northeast Louisiana Industries, Inc.- 318-323-0878
New Orleans - Regional Business Development - 504-524-6172
Shreveport - Ark-La-Tex Investment & Development - 318-632-2022
Louisiana Small Business Investment Companies
Baton Rouge - BancOne Equity Investors - 225-332-4421
New Orleans - First Commerce Capital, Inc. - 504-623-1371
New Orleans - Hibernia Capital Corporation - 504-533-5988
The LSBDC Program is supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Economic
Development, and the participating universities. Services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory
basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions, or services of any external parties or activities.
Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Mary Lynn Wilkerson, State Director
(318) 342-5506 / www.lsbdc.org
SBIC Licensees Located in Louisiana
Audubon Capital SBIC, L.P.
Robert Cowin, Contact
217 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433Phone:
(985)635-6004
Fax: (985)635-6011
Email: rcowin@auduboncapital.com
Bank One Equity Investors-BIDCO, Inc.
Thomas J. Adamek, President
c/o Stonehenge Capital Corporation
450 Laurel Street, Suite 1450
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Phone:
(225)408-3255
Fax: (225)408-3090
Email: sgwhittington@stonehengecapital.com
Hibernia Capital Corp.
Thomas Hoyt, President
313 Carondelet Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone:
(504)533-5988
Fax: (504)533-3873
Email: mhbreaux@hibernia.com
Jefferson Capital Partners I, L.P.
William J. Harper, Contact
3501 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 420
Metairie, LA 70002
Phone:
(504)828-2088
Fax: (504)828-2014
Email: capital@jeffcap.com; wharper@jeffcap.com
Louisiana Public Facilities Authority - Louisiana Bridge Loan Program
http://www.lpfa.com/
LOUISIANA HURRICANE SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY BRIDGE LOAN PROGRAM
Loans will be for periods of up to and not to exceed 180 days based on individual
business circumstances.
Purpose: A short-term loan to provide temporary working capital to viable,
established small businesses in Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans,
Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Vermilion,
and Washington Parishes, Louisiana, that have experienced adverse impacts as a
result of the two (2) recent hurricanes, Katrina and Rita, and that, as a result of this
event are experiencing difficulty surviving or continuing business operations. The
purpose of the program is to facilitate business survival and rapid restoration of
business operations during the time between the storm and the receipt of other
financing or financial assistance.
Amount: The minimum loan will be $5,000.00, the maximum $25,000.00.
The LSBDC Program is supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Economic
Development, and the participating universities. Services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory
basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions, or services of any external parties or activities.
Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Mary Lynn Wilkerson, State Director
(318) 342-5506 / www.lsbdc.org
Term: Loans will be for periods of up to and not to exceed 180 days based on
individual business circumstances.
Interest: Loans will bear interest at a favorable interest rate (4% per annum).
Penalties: The promissory note shall require the Borrower to pay the loan at its
maturity; and if not so paid by the Borrower, the interest rate on the loan will
increase.
Those eligible to apply for loans under the program will include:
Small businesses with an established Tax identification Number, established in the
above listed parishes of Louisiana (for not less than one year prior to the hurricane),
that have sustained physical damage, displacement or business interruption due to
either or both of the hurricanes, Katrina or Rita.
Minimum number of employees - two. (Self employed individuals may be eligible on a
case by case basis.)
Maximum size of business - 100 employees.
The need for the loan and use of proceeds must be directly related to the impact of
or mandatory evacuation due to one or both of the storms.
The business must signify by written statement its intent to establish its temporary or
reestablish its permanent location of operations in Louisiana.
Recipient: Loans will be made to individuals, or groups of individuals, who own at
least 51% of the business. Only one such loan will be permitted per individual, per
group of individuals, and/or per business.
Individual Credit Report: The bank shall request a credit report on the individual(s)
applying for the loan. An acceptable credit score of 640 or above will require an
approval, if the eligibility criteria are verified. A credit score of 570 or less will
require a declined application. Scores that fall in between 640 and 570 on individual
applications or applications with multiple individuals that have mixed scores will be
sent to a loan committee(s) established by or caused to be established by the
Department of Economic Development.
Use of Proceeds: A borrower will be required to sign an agreement that proceeds of
the loan will be used only for purposes of maintaining or restarting the business, in
the designated area or in a temporary location within the business’ community in
which it was operating prior to the hurricane (its community of origin), to one of its
neighboring areas or parishes also adversely affected by the hurricane, or in another
location within the State of Louisiana, as may be appropriate. Use of proceeds to pay
off debts already incurred for qualifying business maintenance or restart purposes
may be authorized on a case-by-case basis.
The LSBDC Program is supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Economic
Development, and the participating universities. Services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory
basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions, or services of any external parties or activities.
Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Mary Lynn Wilkerson, State Director
(318) 342-5506 / www.lsbdc.org
Dedicated Sources of Repayment: A borrower will be required to certify a source for
the repayment of the loan, (for example: the proceeds of anticipated insurance
claims, SBA loan, other loans applied for or to be applied for, and/or financial
assistance grants which will be used to repay the loan, or revenue from the reopening of the business).
Application Period: Applications will be accepted under this program through
December 31, 2005, contingent on the availability of funds.
Complete program guidelines and application may be found at http://www.lpfa.com.
Questions concerning the program should be directed to: Mike Williams (at LED) 225342-5360.
Alternate Funding Strategies
Business Property and/or Business Interruption Insurance Advances
Advances of 5 to 20 percent of a qualifying business' property/business
interruption insurance claim. With this advance, a business would have some 'initial'
funding to get their business back up and going following a major disaster such as
Hurricane Katrina.
Equipment Leasing
The lessor purchases the equipment needed to fulfill certain obligations and the
equipment remains the property of the lessor even after all the borrowed funds are
repaid; or existing assets are sold to and leased from a leasing company to release
capital needed for working capital purposes.
Equipment Leasing Association
http://www.elaonline.com/
Equipment Leasing Association (ELA) is a non-profit association that represents
companies involved in equipment leasing and finance industry to the business
community, government and media.
Choose Leasing – Your Guide to Equipment Leasing
http://www.chooseleasing.org/
Developed to help make informed choices around whether to lease or buy, to
determine how much flexibility is required, and to help better understand financing
options.
Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation
http://www.leasefoundation.org
The Foundation conducts and commissions research. Research, conducted by
academics and industry consultants, to provide credible, unbiased future-focused
research on the equipment lease finance industry. State of the Industry Webinar
scheduled for December 1, 2005, 1:30 - 3:00 EST.
The LSBDC Program is supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Economic
Development, and the participating universities. Services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory
basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions, or services of any external parties or activities.
Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Mary Lynn Wilkerson, State Director
(318) 342-5506 / www.lsbdc.org
Funding for Farms
If you sustained damages to your home or personal property, you should apply with
FEMA for assistance. If you had damages to your crops, livestock, farm equipment,
barns, dairy, etc., you should contact your local Farm Services Agency office to
inquire about the USDA's disaster assistance program. For information about FSA
programs for farming and ranching operations that have suffered a loss, call 1-352379-4500
Emergency Conservation Funding
USDA is providing more than $20 million in Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)
funds to help producers repair damage to their lands. ECP participants will receive
cost-share assistance of up to 75 percent of the cost to implement approved
emergency conservation practices such as debris removal and restoration of
fences and conservation structures. The ECP is administered at the county level
under the guidance of USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state offices.
Louisiana will receive $12,452,000 in ECP funding for: Acadia, Ascension, Assumption,
Calcasieu, Cameron, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson,
Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe
Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Martin, St. Mary,
St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge and
West Feliciana, and Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Concordia, Evangeline and St.
Landry
Emergency Loans
A total of $152 million in FSA's Emergency Loan Program is available to eligible
producers who have suffered at least a 30 percent reduction in crop production or
have sustained physical losses to buildings, chattel or livestock. Farmers and
ranchers have eight months from the date of a presidential or secretarial disaster
declaration to apply for low-interest agency loans.
Marketing Assistance Loans and "On-Farm" Grain Storage
Allow producers to obtain loans for "on-farm" grain storage on the ground in
addition to grain bins and other normally approved structures. This action is
designed to alleviate short-term logistical problems and support local cash prices
above distressed levels as a result of the hurricane.
Additional Assistance
FSA's Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) provides financial
assistance to producers of noninsurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory or
prevented planting occur due to natural disasters. To be eligible for NAP
The LSBDC Program is supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Economic
Development, and the participating universities. Services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory
basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions, or services of any external parties or activities.
Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Mary Lynn Wilkerson, State Director
(318) 342-5506 / www.lsbdc.org
assistance, crops must be noninsurable crops and agricultural commodities for which
the catastrophic risk protection level of crop insurance is not available. Producers
must meet other eligibility requirements to receive NAP payments.
Also, FSA's Debt Set-Aside (DSA) Program is available to producers in primary or
contiguous counties declared presidential or secretarial disaster areas. When
borrowers affected by natural disasters are unable to make their scheduled
payments on any debt, FSA is authorized to consider set aside of some payments
to allow the farming operation to continue. After disaster designation is made, FSA
will notify borrowers of the availability of the DSA. Borrowers who are notified have 8
months from the date of designation to apply. Also, to meet current operating and
family living expenses, FSA borrowers may request a release of income proceeds to
meet these essential needs or request special servicing provisions from their local FSA
county offices to explore other options.
Producers should attempt to contact state FSA offices in Louisiana at (318) 473-7721
and in Mississippi at (601) 965-4300, if local FSA offices are temporarily closed due to
hurricane considerations.
USDA Rural Development
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/disasters/
In areas affected by natural disasters, Rural Development can help existing Rural
Development borrowers who are victims of a disaster. For information about
possible moratoriums on loan payments or reamortization schedules for rural
development, contact your state office or call 1-800-414-1226.
Rural Development's business programs normally do not have disaster assistance
authority. However, many of our programs can help provide financial relief to small
businesses as a result of natural disasters.
Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan Programs
Under the B&I Guaranteed Loan Program, loans can be made to eligible entities
including corporations, partnerships, cooperatives, Federally-recognized Indian
Tribes, individuals, and other legal entities to provide financial assistance for a
variety of purposes including capital expenditures, working capital, equipment, and
refinancing. Purposes can include the repair and damage to businesses as a result
of the natural disaster.
Intermediary Relending Program
Under IRP, loans are made to intermediaries who provide loans to ultimate recipients
for business facilities and community development projects. The loan is made to an
intermediary re-lender who, in turn, establishes a revolving fund and re-lends to
various entities for eligible purposes. Businesses impacted by natural disasters
could possibly qualify as a recipient for the revolved funds under this program.
The LSBDC Program is supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Economic
Development, and the participating universities. Services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory
basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions, or services of any external parties or activities.
Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Mary Lynn Wilkerson, State Director
(318) 342-5506 / www.lsbdc.org
To apply, contact Business Program Specialists in the state office.
Alexandria State Office
3727 Government Street
Alexandria, Louisiana 71302
Telephone: (318) 473-7921
Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Lafayette Area Office - Area III
Whitney National Bank Building
905 Jefferson Street, Suite 320
Lafayette, Louisiana 70501-7913
Telephone: (337) 262-6601
Parishes Served:
Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Evangeline, Iberia, Jefferson Davis,
Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion
Amite Area Office - Area IV
805 West Oak Street, Room 3
Amite, Louisiana 70422
Telephone: (985) 748-8751
Parishes Served:
Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Jefferson, Iberville,
Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles,
St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington,
West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana
Procurement and Contracting Opportunities
http://access.louisiana.gov
Businesses are encouraged to update their existing entries at
http://accessbusiness.louisiana.gov or to register free of charge. AccessLouisiana is
an economic development resource that serves as a central location for businesses
interested in being part of the recovery effort to post capabilities and for prime
contractors to find qualified sub-contractors.
Guide to Government Procurement
http://www.ledforward.louisiana.gov/guide_to_govt_proc.pdf
Guide to Procurement Opportunities with Prime contractors
http://www.ledforward.louisiana.gov/guide_to_proc_private.pdf
Information for Small Businesses Seeking Hurricane Contracting Opportunities
The LSBDC Program is supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Economic
Development, and the participating universities. Services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory
basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions, or services of any external parties or activities.
Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Mary Lynn Wilkerson, State Director
(318) 342-5506 / www.lsbdc.org
http://www.sba.gov/external_guidance.pdf
Small Entrepreneurship Certification System
http://www.te-dev.com/asec/
The Louisiana Initiative for Small Entrepreneurships is designed to foster utilization
by state interests of the business offerings available for state procurement and
public contracts from Louisiana's small entrepreneurships. A Small
Entrepreneurship (SE) is a firm independently owned and operated; not dominant in
its field of operations, is owned by and has officers who are citizens or legal residents
of the United States, all of whom are domiciled in Louisiana, and who maintain the
principal business office in Louisiana; and together with its affiliate entities, has
fewer than 50 full-time employees with average annual gross receipts not exceeding
$5,000,000.00 per year for construction operations and $3,000,000.00 per year for
non-construction operations, for each of the previous three tax years.
Hurricane Contracting Information Center (HCIC)
http://www.rebuildingthegulfcoast.gov/
The Hurricane Contracting Information Center provides a central point of reference
for businesses, especially minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses and
small- and medium-size enterprises, to register for and become aware of federal
contracting opportunities in the Gulf Coast.
1-888-4USADOC
The HCIC also includes a call center staffed with representatives from 11 contracting
government agencies onsite to provide direct business counseling. These individuals
will help businesses navigate the federal contracting process.
Business Outreach
The HCIC will canvas the business community by holding roundtables and events with
business groups, leaders and others to create awareness of the HCIC and assist
businesses.
http://www.ccr.gov: Central Contractor Registration (CCR) is the primary vendor
database for the U.S. Federal Government, managed by the General Services
Administration. Registration in CCR is required in order to be eligible for government
contracts.
http://www.fedbizopps.gov: FedBizOpps, managed by the General Services
Administration, allows businesses to sign up for e-mail notification of open
contracts related to specified fields. commercial vendors can also search, monitor
and retrieve opportunities solicited by the entire Federal contracting community.
The LSBDC Program is supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Economic
Development, and the participating universities. Services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory
basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions, or services of any external parties or activities.
Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Mary Lynn Wilkerson, State Director
(318) 342-5506 / www.lsbdc.org
Tax Relief
2004 Disaster Losses Kit for Businesses
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p2194b.pdf
If your business was affected this year by a major disaster or emergency in your area,
this Disaster Losses Kit can help you claim unreimbursed casualty losses on property
that was destroyed by a natural disaster. The Kit contains tax forms needed to claim
a casualty loss. To qualify for disaster loans and grants from other federal agencies,
you must have filed all required federal tax returns.
The IRS understands that many of your tax records may have been lost or destroyed.
Copies or transcripts of your previously filed tax returns can be provided free of
charge when you submit Form 4506, Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax Form,
included in the Disaster Kit. Just write the name of the county where your property
was located and a brief description of the incident (i.e.; Hurricane Dennis) at the top
of the form.
If you need additional forms or publications, there are several ways you can obtain
them. You can download forms from www.irs.gov or IRS will fax forms to you when
you dial 703-368-9694 from your fax machine and follow the directions of the
prompts. You can also order forms or publications at no cost by calling 1-800-8293676. If you need additional tax assistance, please call 1-800-829-1040.
Note: If you in the business of farming, call 1-800-829-3676 to order the Farmer’s Tax
Guide (Publication 225). In addition to general information, the Farmer’s Tax Guide
explains how to report sales impacted by weather-related conditions and how to
report income from crop insurance payments or other types of disaster related
payments.
Taxpayers will receive automatic relief in 31 Louisiana parishes designated for
individual assistance: Acadia, Ascension, Assumption, Calcasieu, Cameron, East Baton
Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette,
Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Pointe Coupee, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles,
St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa,
Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.
Taxpayers will receive tax relief if they identify themselves as being impacted by
Hurricane Katrina and they live in these 33 Louisiana parishes designated for public
assistance: Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell,
Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, Desoto, East Carroll, Evangeline, Franklin, Grant,
Jackson, LaSalle, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red
River, Richland, Sabine, St. Landry, Tensas, Union, Vernon, Webster, West Carroll and
Winn.
The LSBDC Program is supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Economic
Development, and the participating universities. Services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory
basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions, or services of any external parties or activities.
Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Mary Lynn Wilkerson, State Director
(318) 342-5506 / www.lsbdc.org
Extensions to File or Pay Taxes
The IRS gives affected taxpayers until the last day of the Extension Period to file most
tax returns, including partnership and S-corporation returns, or to make tax
payments, including estimated tax payments, that have either an original or extended
due date falling within this Period. The IRS will abate interest and any late filing or
late payment penalties that would apply during these dates to returns or payments
subject to these extensions.
Casualty Losses
Affected taxpayers in a Presidential Disaster Area have the option of claiming
disaster-related casualty losses on their federal income tax return for either this year
or last year. Claiming the loss on an original or amended return for last year will get
the taxpayer an earlier refund, but waiting to claim the loss on this year’s return
could result in a greater tax saving, depending on other income factors.
Other Relief
The IRS will waive the usual fees and expedite requests for copies of previously filed
tax returns for affected taxpayers who need them to apply for benefits or to file
amended returns claiming casualty losses. Such taxpayers should put the assigned
Disaster Designation in red ink at the top of Form 4506, “Request for Copy of Tax
Return,” or Form 4506-T, “Request for Transcript of Tax Return,” as appropriate, and
submit it to the IRS.
Retirement Plans Can Make Loans, Hardship Distributions to Katrina Victims
401(k)s and similar employer-sponsored retirement plans can make loans and hardship
distributions to victims of Hurricane Katrina and members of their families. 401(k)
plan participants, employees of public schools and tax-exempt organizations with
403(b) tax-sheltered annuities, and state and local government employees with
certain 457 deferred-compensation plans may be eligible to take advantage of these
streamlined loan procedures and liberalized hardship distribution rules. Though IRA
participants are barred from taking out loans, they may be eligible to receive
distributions under liberalized procedures. Retirement plans can provide this relief to
employees and certain members of their families who live or work in the disaster
area. To qualify for this relief, hardship withdrawals must be made by March 31,
2006.
This broad-based relief means that a retirement plan can allow a Katrina victim to
take a hardship distribution or borrow up to the specified statutory limits from their
retirement plan to repair or replace a home or for some other purpose. It also means
that a person who lives in another part of the country can take out a retirement plan
loan or hardship distribution and use it to assist a son, daughter, parent, grandparent
or other dependent who lived or worked in the disaster area.
The LSBDC Program is supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Economic
Development, and the participating universities. Services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory
basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions, or services of any external parties or activities.
Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Mary Lynn Wilkerson, State Director
(318) 342-5506 / www.lsbdc.org
More information about Hurricane Katrina relief relating to loans from retirement
plans and hardship distributions can be found in IRS Announcement 2005-70 at
http://www.irs.gov/irb/2005-40_IRB/ar17.html
The Internal Revenue Service is working to provide appropriate relief and assistance
to victims of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. If you are a hurricane victim and
need help with tax matters, please call 1-866-562-5227.
Professional Business Services
Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants
http://www.lcpa.org/
ABA Disaster Legal Services Hotlines
If you are seeking legal help because of the disaster, the ABA Young Lawyers
Division/FEMA toll-free hotline is:
Louisiana: 1-800-310-7029
Mississippi: 1-866-255-4495
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the volume of calls into the Northern Gulf Coast region, these
numbers may not connect upon each attempt.
Department of Justice US Trustees Program
http://www.usdoj.gov/ust/r05/index.htm
The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department of Justice
responsible for overseeing the administration of bankruptcy cases and private
trustees. This site contains information about the United States Trustee Program and
the federal bankruptcy system, including updates related to enforcement of
bankruptcy guidelines for victims of natural disasters, credit counseling and
debtor education programs. Region 5 of the United States Trustee Program
supervises the administration of bankruptcy cases filed in Louisiana and Mississippi.
The regional office is located in New Orleans and district offices are located in
Jackson, New Orleans and Shreveport.
Louisiana Department of Labor
http://www.laworks.net/
Individuals not eligible for existing unemployment compensation programs can apply
to the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program for help. DUA provides
unemployment benefits and re-employment services to individuals who become
unemployed due to disaster. It is especially helpful to persons who are selfemployed, farmers, and migrant or seasonal workers.
Hurricane Insurance Information Center
http://www.disasterinformation.org
The LSBDC Program is supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Economic
Development, and the participating universities. Services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory
basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions, or services of any external parties or activities.
Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Mary Lynn Wilkerson, State Director
(318) 342-5506 / www.lsbdc.org
The U.S. insurance industry has established the Hurricane Insurance Information
Center (HIIC) to provide on-the-spot information on the insurance industry’s response
to the catastrophe, supplying claim filing tips and maintaining a dialogue with the
public through an active consumer outreach program. This Web site offers
information on insurance coverages and refers people to insurers, government
agencies, and other sources of assistance.
Louisiana Department of Insurance
http://www.ldi.state.la.us/
Disaster Assistance
http://www.govbenefits.gov
GovBenefits.gov provides citizens with one, easily accessible source for government
benefit and assistance information. The GovBenefits.gov mission focuses on reducing
the expense and difficulty of conducting business with the government and increasing
access to benefit information, particularly for people with disabilities. It as an
accessible and readily available resource that's provided by the government to aid the
victims of Hurricane Katrina. The GovBenefits.gov team has been actively reaching
out to disaster victims as well as intermediary resources helping victims recover.
https://www.disasterhelp.gov
The DisasterHelp.Gov website is oriented toward helping users find information and
services across a wide range of relevant Disaster Management offerings. The portal
will be a single location where the public and private businesses can easily access
disaster information and services provided by government agencies and nongovernmental organizations.
The LSBDC Program is supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Economic
Development, and the participating universities. Services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory
basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions, or services of any external parties or activities.