U.S., state business officials offer aid to fire victims

LINCOLN – Federal and state authorities not only are helping the displaced Lincoln fire victims, they also are providing services to other area businesspeople.

Officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the state Department of Economic and Community Development, Eastern Maine Development Corp. and the Maine Small Business Development Center are encouraged by the number of people seeking out their services and they encourage more to do so.

Claire A. Holmes, an SBA disaster assistance loan officer, said the special disaster loans are not just for people directly affected by the fires. She said the program was for any businessperson in Penobscot County and abutting counties who has suffered economic consequences as a result of the fires.

“I don’t think we are going to see a lot of other business because at this point they may not have been impacted economically,” said Holmes, who added that later on some businesses may feel such an economic impact. She said the deadline for filing for the special disaster relief assistance is Oct. 31.

Holmes said it is possible some displaced Lincoln business owners may opt not to seek a loan through the special federal disaster loan program because they do not plan to reopen their business or they maybe fully compensated by insurance.

She said the special disaster loan program lends money for the uninsured or the uncompensated. “There can be no duplication of benefits,” said Holmes. She said small-business owners don’t have to wait for insurance settlements, but can seek a loan upfront from the SBA. “They don’t have to wait for their insurance to come in, if they think they need some working capital money faster than their insurance money will come,” said Holmes.

Three of the 10 businesses wiped out by the fires are nonprofit groups, which Holmes said are not eligible for the special disaster assistance. “Some businesses have business interruption insurance so they won’t need our loan,” she said.

Holmes and John C. Gardner, an SBA loan officer, have seen many of Lincoln’s displaced business owners since the agency set up a weeklong shop at the Lincoln town office Monday. Holmes has issued four applications for the special Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

Gardner said about a dozen people have sought information about the SBA’s standard services. He said many of those seeking services are interested in expanding their businesses or starting up new businesses. “That is what we are here for,” he said.

Shirley Veino of Lincoln is one of the people seeking information about opening a new business in Lincoln. After working with her sister, Susan Custis, at AMB Video Veino is exploring the possibility of opening a new (finger)nails and tanning salon this summer at 31 Main St. in the rear of the Quality Driving School.

Marnie DuBois, a business counselor for EMDC and the small-business center, was available at the Lincoln town office Wednesday. DuBois provides business counseling assistance to businesses in northern Penobscot County at no cost. “We provide technical assistance to businesses and start-up businesses,” she said. DuBois said some of the services include business planning, financial management, marketing and training programs. DuBois said anyone seeking an appointment should call (800) 339-6389.

Jane Kaelin, EMDC’s director of lending, will be at the town office Thursday.

On a more permanent basis, Stephen Mockler of the state DECD, who works with several local development groups from Old Town to Millinocket, is available at the Lincoln town office.

Mockler works with groups such as the Lincoln Lakes Regional Development Corp. and the Millinocket Area Growth Industry Council as well as individual businesspeople. “My goal is to provide business and development support to local businesses and the communities,” he said.

Currently, Mockler also is working as a point person with the town of Lincoln and state and federal agencies on various grant proposals.

In the meantime, Lincoln Town Manager Glenn Aho is preparing state and federal grant applications. He said planning grants will be very important in helping the town refine preliminary plans to restore its downtown.

“We are in the preliminary planning process,” said Aho. “We have a lot of ideas and that is all they are at this point. Nothing is cast in stone and nothing is going to happen overnight,” he said.

Aho is asking the public to be patient because this process will take time. He said there will be public comment periods in the future.