Martinez Points to Disaster Relief Sources

Governor Susana Martinez announced today that small businesses that incurred non-structural economic impact from the Little Bear Fire can complete the “Estimated Disaster Economic Injury Worksheet for Businesses” form available to them through their county emergency managers or on the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) Website at http://www.nmdhsem.org/. Upon receipt of at least five qualifying forms, the Governor will be able to request that the Small Business Administration (SBA) make low-interest loans available to businesses that experienced an economic impact from the fire.

“Having spent nearly a week on the ground in Ruidoso as the city was threatened by the Little Bear Fire, I have seen firsthand that there has been a significant economic impact on the community, and that likely includes many small businesses,” said Governor Martinez. “While it appears the worst of the fire is over, the community has a long road ahead to recovery. Businesses that provide jobs and services will be a key to those efforts. Once enough small businesses state their need and ask for help, I will be able to ask for assistance from the Small Business Administration in the form of low-interest loans and we can begin this aspect of the recovery process.”

The Small Business Administration (SBA) makes an Economic Injury Disaster Declaration upon the Governor’s certification that at least five small businesses in a disaster area have suffered substantial economic injury as a result of a disaster and are in need of financial assistance not otherwise available. Upon the approval of the SBA, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) will be available through the Small Business Administration (SBA).

While the completion of the worksheet does not guarantee SBA loans, Governor Martinez is urging affected small businesses to complete the form in order to help provide additional means by which to recover. Small businesses must complete the worksheet within 120 days of the disaster that caused an economic impact.
The Little Bear Fire continues to burn in Lincoln County. It has burned over 41,000 acres and destroyed 254 structures.
Businesses can email or fax the completed worksheet to Nita Taylor, the Lincoln County Manager at Linclnco@tularosa.net or (575) 648-4182.
Estimated Disaster Economic Injury Worksheet for Businesses: http://www.nmdhsem.org/uploads/files/Economic%20Injury%20Worksheet%20-%20051410.pdf
For more information regarding Small Business Administration Disaster loans: http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/loans-grants/small-business-loans/disaster-loans

Martinez Points to Disaster Relief Sources