Deadline nearing for recovery grant program

Local businesses affected by the 2005 hurricane season may be eligible to receive relief via a grant program.

The Louisiana Business Recovery Grant and Loan Program is offering $100 million in grants n up to $20,000 per business n and $38 million in no-interest loans n up to $250,000 per business.

All of these funds are earmarked for small business to recover from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Businesses in Lafourche and Terrebonne parish are eligible.

To participate in the program, businesses must have been open six months prior to the storms and have reopened or be able to reopen. Only businesses with less than 50 employees are eligible for this program. Self-employment businesses are eligible providing they sell a tangible product.

Locally, help is available from the South Central Planning & Development Commission (SCPDC). Applications may be obtained at the SPCDC offices at 5058 West Main St. in Gray or, online, at www.louisianaforward.com.

All completed applications must be submitted through an intermediary. SCPDC is the local intermediary for the program, and the agency’s staff can help with the application process.

The SCPDC Web site lists other intermediaries available to facilitate enrollment in the program. The enrollment deadline for the program is Feb. 16.