SBA sets up office in Crowley to offer drought assistance

The U.S. Small Business Administration has opened a Business Recovery Center in Crowley for businesses that have weathered challenges from last year’s extreme drought.

The center, based at former Wells Fargo Bank location at 10 N. Parkerson Ave., opened at 9 a.m. Thursday. It will have hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

No appointment is necessary, and all services are provided free of charge.

The SBA recently made low-interest disasters loans available to businesses in the crawfish industry after Gov. Jeff Landry declared a drought-related emergency. Harvesters are currently dealing with limited catch, which has caused ripple effects for wholesalers, processors and retail markets.

In addition to the aquaculture industry, the Crowley center is available to other businesses in the supply chain – including restaurants, food trucks and hotels, as well as marketing and ad agencies.

“Given the economic losses Louisiana businesses have faced, our priority is to provide them with all the support they need to assist in their recovery,” said Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “The center will serve as a one-stop location where businesses can find specialized assistance.”

For those who can’t travel to Crowley, Louisiana Small Business Development Centers offer free counseling to help affected businesses in their recovery. The closest LSBDC locations can fine  online at louisianasbdc.org or by calling (866) 782-4159. Visitors are encouraged to call first for an appointment.