Those who run a small business in southeast Broward County and felt the brunt of the June deluge may find some solace in the U.S. Small Business Administration's latest move. The SBA has set up a Disaster Assistance Center in Hollywood, poised to open its doors on July 9th and remain a beacon for assistance through July 29th. This resource is specifically geared towards businesses impacted by the flooding from June 11th to 13th, aiming to provide much-needed relief. For those in need, the center will be situated at the Oak Lake Community Center, 3190 N. 56th Ave., according to an announcement on Hollywood's official website.
Business owners won't need to make appointments; the assistance center will welcome walk-ins during specified hours. For most week days, the doors will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, the start of the week sees a slightly earlier closure with operations wrapping up at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays. If you're looking to stop by on a Saturday, take note that operating hours are between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. There are a couple of exceptions to these schedules, specifically on the opening day, July 9th, and three weeks later on July 25th, when the center will shut down at 5:30 p.m.
SBA representatives at the center are ready to discuss the possibilities with entrepreneurs, offering options like low-interest long-term loans designed to help rebuild not just the infrastructure of their livelihoods but also the hopes that may have been dampened by unwelcome floodwaters. These loans, while a potential lifeline, require careful consideration and the SBA reps are there to guide business owners through the application process, outlining what it entails and how it could benefit their recovery efforts.
