Disaster relief workshop begins today in Lincoln

LINCOLN – The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that federal disaster loans are available to small businesses affected by the fires that occurred on Jan. 17 and 20 in Lincoln.

A disaster loan workshop will open at 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4, to provide assistance to fire victims. SBA representatives will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the town office at 75 Main St.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to small businesses that are unable to pay bills or meet operating expenses. The purpose of the program is to provide working capital to businesses so they can continue to operate while recovering from the disaster.

Eligible small businesses may qualify for loans up to $1.5 million with interest rates as low as 3.5 percent and terms extending up to 30 years. The EIDL program cannot address physical damage.

SBA’s disaster declaration includes Penobscot County and the abutting counties of Aroostook, Hancock, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo and Washington. However, to be eligible for consideration under the SBA disaster program, losses sustained must be the result of the Lincoln fires.

Interested small-business owners are urged to visit SBA’s workshop or to call the SBA Disaster Area 1 Office at (800) 659-2955 or (800) 877-8339, for the hearing-impaired. Completed loan applications should be returned to the SBA, 360 Rainbow Blvd. South, Niagara Falls, N.Y. 14303, no later than Oct. 31. For information visit www.sba.gov/disaster.