DeLauro Applauds Opening of SBA Recovery Centers

New Haven, CT — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) praised the opening of two new Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Recovery Centers in New Haven County to help businesses and homeowners affected by Tropical Storm Irene.

The SBA plays a critical role in helping communities recover from disasters by providing low interest loans to affected businesses and homes. Both physical damage and economic injury are taken into account when a business is considered for a loan. Located in North Haven and Branford, the centers will provide information and assistance to local residents and business owners, particularly regarding disaster loans and applications. SBA representatives will be at both centers to help guide participants through the process and answer any questions.

The new centers will be open Monday- Friday, 10:00am- 7:00pm through October 13. Businesses have until November 3 to file applications for physical property damage, and until June 4, 2012 to file economic injury applications.

"These new SBA centers will help communities impacted by Tropical Storm Irene by providing assistance to homeowners and businesses in need. I applaud the SBA's efforts to make their services more accessible to our communities, and urge local residents and business owners to visit the centers should they have any questions or concerns," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "SBA loans can provide the necessary support to communities in difficult times, and their assistance is vital to our ongoing recovery efforts."

For more information about the SBA's Disaster Loan Program, please visit www.sba.gov.