There are various governmental programs that can assist businesses and the public with disaster recovery, listed below is an overview of the programs and points of contact for assistance.
FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency can provide information about federal assistance programs. By completing an anonymous questionnaire online, you will be given a list of potential resources based on your particular situation and needs.
These include:
- Disaster Legal Services (available through Department of Homeland Security for low-income disaster survivors) for assistance with:
- Insurance claims for medical bills, loss of property, loss of life
- New wills, powers of attorney, and other legal papers lost during the disaster
- Home-repair contracts and contractors
- Problems with landlords
- Low-Interest Loans offered through the Small Business Administration for those with no or insufficient private insurance:
- Up to $200,000 to repair or replace damaged structures
- Up to $40,000 to replace basic possessions
Small Business Administration
The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help small businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters. For information, go to Disaster Assistance.
California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) was created by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. to serve as California’s single point of contact for economic development and job creation efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit assistance, regulatory guidance, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For information and resources, go to California’s Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz).
Santa Barbara County Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The Santa Barbara County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of the Ventura County EDC-SBDC, the Los Angeles Regional Network, and the national Small Business Administration. The SBDC can provide individualized consulting and training to new and growing businesses. For information or to schedule a free and confidential consultation, go to call(805) 892-3643.