RISBDC at Johnson & Wales University Receives Additional Federal Funding to Assist Small Businesses Impacted by Tropical Storm Irene, 2010 Floods

RISBDC at Johnson & Wales University Receives Additional Federal Funding to Assist Small Businesses Impacted by Tropical Storm Irene, 2010 Floods

The Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (RISBDC) at Johnson & Wales University has received additional federal funding to continue offering assistance to small businesses still struggling to recover from the 2010 floods and last year’s Tropical Storm Irene.

The $80,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration will allow the RISBDC to continue providing assistance to small businesses, including Rhode Island’s tourism and food service industries, that were severely impacted by recent natural disasters.

“These grant funds will allow the RISBDC to further extend its targeted no cost technical assistance resources and educational workshops to impacted businesses,” said Adriana I. Dawson, interim state director of the RISBDC.

With the Portable Assistance grant funding, the RISBDC and its network of service providers will increase its capacity to deliver assistance to those businesses still hoping to apply for economic injury relief through the SBA’s low-interest disaster loan program. The filing deadline for economic injury loans related to the Secretary of Agriculture declaration for Tropical Storm Irene is May 22, 2012   The deadline for the SBA disaster declaration for Tropical Storm Irene economic injury loans is June 26, 2012, the applications require a business plan and full financials.

“This additional funding for disaster assistance by the RISBDC is critically important,” said Mark S. Hayward, director of the SBA Rhode Island District Office.  “The technical assistance available to small businesses impacted by the natural disasters will play a vital role in their economic recovery.”

For more information or to apply for assistance, please contact the RI Small Business Development Center at 598-2702.

The Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (RISBDC) at Johnson & Wales University serves as a focal point for the coordination of federal, state, local, academic, and private resources to aid small businesses and to promote economic development in the state.

Johnson & Wales University (JWU), founded in 1914, is a nonprofit, private institution. A recognized leader in career education, it offers accredited degrees in business, hospitality, culinary arts, technology and education to more than 17,000 graduate and undergraduate students, representing all 50 states and 93 countries. By integrating academics and professional skills, related work experiences, leadership opportunities and career services, JWU prepares driven students who are seeking a competitive advantage in the global economy. Its 85,000 alumni from 140 countries pursue careers around the world. The university is committed to urban revitalization and thoughtful historic renovation. Through active civic participation and unique learning opportunities, JWU improves the quality of life in its campus communities in Providence, R.I.; North Miami, Fla.; Denver, Colo.; and Charlotte, N.C. For more information visit www.jwu.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT:

RISBDC: Lelani Bonner, 401-598-2705; lbonner@jwu.edu

JWU Office of Communications and Media Relations:  Madeline Parmenter (401-598-2752); madeline.parmenter@jwu.edu.

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