Small Business Disaster Coordination Act
The Small Business Disaster Coordination Act would amend the Small Business Act to strengthen disaster response and planning by requiring the Small Business Administration (SBA) to coordinate more closely with its resource partners (such as Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, Women’s Business Centers, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers). Key changes allow SBA to authorize resource partners to provide disaster-related advice and assistance to small businesses located outside a partner’s usual service area, so long as the business is in an area eligible for SBA disaster loans and the partner coordinates with a local partner. The act also extends this cross-area assistance for up to two years after a disaster is declared (with possible extension) and requires continuity of services and use of SBA facilities for disaster recovery work. Additionally, it requires loan notices to link to resource partner websites, and it obligates SBA to share information with resource partners to help public awareness and outreach. The bill further directs the creation of coordination guidelines among the SBA, other federal agencies, state/local authorities, and resource partners, and expands the inclusion of resource partners in SBA disaster planning activities.
Key Points
- 1Cross-area disaster recovery assistance: SBA may authorize resource partners to give advice and help to small businesses outside their normal service areas, if the business is in a loan-eligible disaster area and coordination with a local partner occurs. Assistance can last up to two years after the disaster is declared, with possible extension.
- 2Continuity and facilities: Resource partners providing such assistance should maintain continuity of services in their service areas and may use SBA-designated sites or facilities for disaster recovery work.
- 3Public information and outreach: SBA loan notices must include links to resource partner websites, and information shared with resource partners can be used to amplify public awareness among disaster loan applicants.
- 4Coordination guidelines: SBA must establish guidelines to coordinate with other federal agencies, state and local authorities, regional authorities, and resource partners to respond to demand and optimize resource use.
- 5Disaster planning involvement: Resource partners must be explicitly included in SBA’s disaster planning coordination efforts, expanding their role in planning activities.