SBA loans available

   Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration have opened a Disaster Loan Outreach Center at City Hall, located at 39707 Big Bear Blvd, to help those residents and business owners affected by recent winter storms.  Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, non-profit organizations whose property was damaged or destroyed as a result of last month’s inclement weather. 

   The outreach center at City Hall will be open Mondays thru Fridays, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm until further notice.  SBA customer service representatives will be on hand to issue loan applications, answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application.  No appointment is necessary.   

   Help offered includes:

• Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate.  Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

• Businesses of any size, as well as private, non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.  SBA can also lend additional funds to homeowners and businesses to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

   Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling SBA toll-free at (800) 659-2955, e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or by visiting SBA’s web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Hearing impaired individuals may call (800) 877-8339. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

   The filing deadline to return applications for property damage is April 19, 2010. 

About Big Bear Lake

   The City of Big Bear Lake is a four-season resort located in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest, approximately 30 miles northeast of San Bernardino.  The City serves a population of 6,500 residents and covers a 6.95 square mile area on the west end of Big Bear Lake’s south shore.  Recreation is offered year-round, including skiing, boating, fishing, camping, hiking, golf and fine dining.  Visit us at www.citybigbearlake.com. 

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