The state has collected resources at www.mass.gov/stormrecovery which includes a link to a federal Small Business Administration slide show about available resources stemming from a disaster declaration.
6-1-11 - Springfield - Republican staff photo by Don Treeger- Tornado damage on Main St. in the South End.SPRINGFIELD – For tornado-damaged communities to rebuild, the businesses in those communities must rebound as well.
To that end, there are a number of resources available to impacted businesses.
The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield keeps a list of available temporary office and commercial space or by phone at (413) 787-1555.
The state has collected storm recovery resources at which includes a link to a federal Small Business Administration slide show about available resources stemming from a disaster declaration.
The state also recommends that businesses contact the Springfield Office of Planning & Economic Development by calling (413) 787-6020 or visiting.
As the Small Business Administration slide show points out, federal help might include low-interest business loans of up to $2 million to cover both repair of physical damage and to help a business overcome disaster-related economic injury.
Rates will not exceed 4 percent for businesses with no other credit options and repayment terms of up to 30 years are available, according to the Small Business Administration. Call (800) 659-2955.
Federal disaster unemployment assistance provides unemployment benefits to individuals who have become unemployed as a result of a presidential declared major disaster. Self-employed people who cannot work as a result of the disaster can also apply for benefits. For more information, call (877) 872-5627.
Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance may be available for sole proprietors who have disaster-related damage to vehicles or tools needed for their jobs. For more information, call (800) 632-3362.
There may also be tax implications of the disaster for small business.
The Internal Revenue Service’s disaster relief program may allow owners to deduct disaster-related losses from your prior year’s tax return. Filing an amended return may allow you to receive an immediate tax refund.