From : U.S. Small Business Administration
Location : Washington , D.C. |
Question :
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Reply :
This will be the last question being responded to as we are out of time. I have enjoyed chatting with you. Today's chat will be archieved on the SBA's Web site at www.sba.gov/chats. |
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From : U.S. Business Administration
Location : Washington , D.C. |
Question :
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Reply :
I applaud the SBA for providing a chat on this very important topic and you for asking great questions regarding disaster planning. Thank you and good luck with your planning efforts. It's always best to expect the unexpected!! Lori Adamo |
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From : Samantha Jill
Location : , LA |
Question :
I had a small business in Louisiana and was declined for an SBA loan, where can I turn to get financial assistance to rebuild? |
Reply :
We recommend you talk with your local Small Business Development Center or SCORE representative. Their services are FREE. You can find the nearest office at www.sba.gov. They have counselors that can provide guidance to additonal resources. |
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From : Charles Blackmond
Location : Charlotte , NC |
Question :
Given the effects of hurricane Katrina in Louisiana should a relocation plan be put in place for a business? Where can I get information on how to put forth such procedures? |
Reply :
Hello Charles: Absolutely! Relocation to keep your business operating is key. This is called a Hot or Warm Site. Plugging into another location keeping your critical functions operating and keeping employees working is essential. If you go google Hot site, you should be able to get a good outline for planning your recovery site. Good luck, Lori |
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From : Cindy Miller
Location : Tampa , |
Question :
What kinds of things can I practically do within my business to prepare for hurricane season? |
Reply :
Hello Cindy: You need to have supplies on hand. Florida currently passed tax-free purchases on materials and supplies for hurricane preparations. Take advantage of that! Create a plan that will help you to operate your business at the time of disaster. If you can't operate from your business site then plan to operate at another site. Disaster plans entail lists of suppliers, vendors, customers, employees, critical contact phone numbers such as bank, insurance company, and utility. Know what your critical functins are so you can keep them operational during or soon after the disaster. Create a road map as to what you need to address so you will not have to decide important factors under duress. Planning is key and then exercise your plan. Make sure it works for you. Never test it at the time of disruption. Good luck, Lori |
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From : Susan Jones
Location : Kansas City , MO |
Question :
What factors should small businesses consider and what supplies and resources should be in place to aid in the recovery from a pandemic disease outbreak? Where can we get information on this? |
Reply :
Susan: I'll answer your second question first. The Center for Disease and Control,CDC has great information for business to start planning for the Pandemic. Some factors to consider: If I loose 50% of my staff, what functions do I need to make sure continue for my business to operate. If my employees need to work from home, how will I set up their operability so they can perform the work. The key is to have a plan to keep those critical people and functins operating, even if the staff numbers are down. How will you connect and communciate to your vendors, suppliers, customers at crisis mode. Resources you may want to consider are: resporator masks, gloves, anti-bacterial handwash and keeping human contact to a minimal Good question Susan! Lori |
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From : Teresa Lamos
Location : Little Rock , |
Question :
Are there companies that provide off-site technology backups for small businesses to help protect against valuable information losses? |
Reply :
Hello Teresa: There are a few companies that will back-up your data: Strohl, Iron Mountain and Unicom. Unicom may be your best choice as their fees are more comparable to small business budgets. Lori |
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From : George Walker
Location : Boston , Mass |
Question :
Is there information online about what help the SBA gives small buisness owners that have been hurt by flooding? |
Reply :
If the flooding has resulted in a declared disaster then information is available on-line at www.sba.gov/disaster. You'll find basic program information, location of Disaster Loan Assistance Centers, contact phone numbers, as well as a downloadable business disaster loan application form. Once a disaster involving flooding has been declared, information will be provided on the SBA Web site-- www.sba.gov/disaster-- as well as via the local media. |
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From : Kelly Nichols
Location : , Texas |
Question :
What factors do you think a small business should consider when reevaluating their business plan and deciding whether or not to commit resources to reopening after being destroyed by a disaster? |
Reply :
That is an individual question. You local Small Business Development Center and SCORE can help you determine the specific risk you face. Their services are FREE. You can find your local SBDC or SCORE office at www.sba.gov |
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From : Ilene Rubio - Marketing Manager Area 1 (SBA-SFDO)
Location : Miami , FL - SBA SFDO |
Question :
Thank you, Michael. I look forward to receiving the e-mail. |
Reply :
You are welcome. |
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From : Jon Peterson
Location : Ft. Worth , TX |
Question :
Is there a disaster plan that I can customize for my business available online? |
Reply :
Hello Jon: Go to www.IBHS.com and click on Open for Business. They provide a great workbook with forms that will take your through developing a disaster plan. Good Luck, Lori |
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From : Thelma Johnston
Location : Pittsburgh , PA |
Question :
What help and assistance does SBA offer to victims of disasters? |
Reply :
Once a disaster declaration is made SBA disaster loans are the primary form of federal assistance for nonfarm, private sector disaster losses. These loans include loans for businesses (any size), homeowners, renters and non-profits. These are low interest long term loans. Loans are limited to $40,000 for Personal Property, $200,000 for real property and up to $1.5 million for businesses. Small businesses that suffered economic losses as a direct result of the declared disaster may apply for working capital loans up to $1.5 million, even if the property was not physically damaged. You can find all the details at www.sba.gov/disaster. |
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From : Debbie
Location : |
Question :
What elements should every small business owner include in their disaster plan? |
Reply :
Hi Debbie: First you will need to include lists of employees, vendors, suppliers, customers, so you can reach out to anyone quickly that is imperative at the time of a disaster. The idea is to keep your operation functioning at the time of an emergency. Identify critical functions, processes and how quickly you need to get them operational before your business starts to hurt. Create processes step by step that will guide you to getting your business back up. Lori |
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From : Ilene Rubio
Location : Miami , FL - SBA SFDO |
Question :
Hello Michael, thanks for hosting this live chat. How do I obtain the SBA fact sheets in Spanish for hurricanes Katrina and Wilma? Also, how do I verify the current disaster loan pgm interest rates? I checked the web site, and the fact sheets are not posted there in Spanish... |
Reply :
We will post them on the Web site. This may have been an error on our part as we are re-designing the web page. It appears you are at the SFDO; we will e-mail you a copy this afternoon. Otherwise we should have it on the Web tomorrow. |
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From : Jane Bellemy
Location : Miami , FL |
Question :
I have a question about recovering after a disaster. What can I do to get my business up and running after a disaster? |
Reply :
Recovery starts before the disaster hits. Plan to know what you need to have operational and to what level so you can perform those duties after the incident. Have a list of employees you will need to help you to recover, suppliers or vendors you will need to contact, and other important parts of your business. Identify all those crtical functions, people, and processes you will need inorder to recovery successfully. Lori |
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From : Ian
Location : Clifton Park , NY |
Question :
To what extent does the SBA provide disaster assistance to small businesses effected by a small scale disaster that may not be covered under Federal/SBA Disaster Assistance? |
Reply :
If the disaster is not declared by the President or the SBA Adminstrator we are unable to offer any type of Disaster Loan Assistance. However, in the event of these occurrances individual victims should contact their local Emergency Managment Operations for assistance. |
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From : Giovanna Sanchez
Location : Miami , Florida |
Question :
What steps should I take in preparing for hurricane season? |
Reply :
Hi Giovanna: Recently I read that the State of Florida will provide a tax-free program on all purchases of disaster related materials and supplies. Take advantage of this. Make sure you have a plan that identifies off site relocation, so you can conduct your business in another location if your site is hit. When you relocate, the plan should identify functions you will need to perform as soon as possible, lists of your employees, suppliers, vendors, and any other critical information that you will need to keep your business functioning while you wait to get back into your business site. Exercise the plan before you have to test it in real-life. Make sure it works for you. |
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From : Jeff
Location : Chicago |
Question :
I have a small computer business, how can I protect my important records and information? |
Reply :
Hello Jeff: You want to back up your documents and data weekly. Make sure you store the information off site in case your facility or network goes down. Virus protection, firewalling will keep your data safe as well. |
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From : Ruth Gagliano
Location : Chicago , IL |
Question :
How can small business owners best help other small businesses that have been hit with disaster? Is there a clearing-house through the SBA of small businesses that are in need of specific items/help? Please feel free to contact me: ruth@compfriend.com Thanks much for all you are doing for small businesses! Ruth |
Reply :
The SBA Disaster Assistance Program does not have a clearing house. It is best to work with local volunteer agencies if you are interested in providing donated goods and services. This expedites assistance to the receipent in the disaster area. |
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From : Nedra Roland
Location : Little Rock , Arkansas |
Question :
How do I start a disaster plan for my home and business? |
Reply :
Great question Nedra! You need to start to identifying you vulnerabilities. Look at external risks such as flooding, traffic issues, and internal policies and procedures. You will want to create your disaster plan to try and mitigate those vulnerabilities. Develop critical phone numbers: Employees, vendors, suppliers. Also look at your critical funcitons and make sure you know how to keep them operational. The plan will provide a road map of how to operate your business under crisis. You then will want to practice this plan and make sure it works for you. |
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From : U.S. Small Business Administration
Location : Washington , DC |
Question :
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Reply :
Good afternoon. My name is Michael Lampton. I am the Communications Manager of SBA's Office of Disaster Assistance in Atlanta. GA. It is my pleasure to join you today for the SBA Live Web Chat series. We welcome your questions and comments and look forward to discussing how to make your business, Diaster Ready. |
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From : U.S. Small Business Administration
Location : Washington , DC |
Question :
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Reply :
Welcome to all who have joined the SBA Web Chat! Today businesses must have a plan to successfully mitigate and recovery from emergencies. I look forward to answering your questions so we can get you to plan for the unexpected. Lori Adamo |
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