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Post-Ida Business Resources for New Orleans Organizations

Online Optimism

Hurricane Ida is a presidentially-declared major disaster that made landfall along the southern coast of Louisiana this past Sunday. In an effort to uplift the affected areas of the Gulf Coast and follow our core value of bettering our community, Online Optimism has created a guide to assist both businesses and individuals in their recovery from Hurricane Ida. Explore the list below to learn more about what resources are available to repair communities following a natural disaster.

Financial Resources for Business Owners

SBA

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses and homeowners during declared disasters. They are offering Business Physical Disaster Loans to repair or replace damaged properties and Economic Injury Disaster Loans to assist with financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. Businesses may borrow up to $2 million. 

The SBA has also established a Virtual Business Recovery Center where they will be available to provide assistance to business owners. Customer service representatives will be available to answer questions about the program and help business owners complete their loan applications. 

When applying for an SBA loan, have the following information available: 

  • Current phone number
  • Address at the time of disaster and the address where you are currently staying
  • Social Security number
  • General list of damage and losses
  • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or company name
IRS

The IRS announced tax relief for victims of Hurricane Ida. Businesses and individuals affected by Hurricane Ida now have until January 3, 2022 to file tax returns and make tax payments. Your quarterly estimated tax payments that would’ve been due on September 15th, and your quarterly payaroll and excise tax returns normanlly due November 1st, are now due January 3rd, 2022. 

Government-funded disaster relief grants and loans are now available. DisasterAssistance.gov is the fastest way to apply for aid. Both individuals and businesses can apply through the same form. 

LABEOC

Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center (LABEOC) provides tools to assist businesses during emergencies. They are currently assisting in Hurricane Ida recovery. Register with LABEOC for the latest news, alerts, and status updates to the business community. 

New Orleans & Louisiana Leader Update

We strongly recommend folks sign up for GNO Inc’s Daily Newsletter to receive the latest updates on Ida recovery.

Visit the Office of the Governor for Hurricane Ida resources and press conference details. 

For information on roads and traffic, visit: 

NOLA Ready is the preparedness campaign for the City of New Orleans. Text NOLAREADY to 77295 for text updates. They are providing up to date information on health and safety precautions, as well as where to get gas and groceries. 

Damage.LA.Gov is a virtual Louisiana damage reporting process launched by GOHSEP (Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness). Report damage to your home here. Information collected helps local and federal agencies know how and where locations were affected. 

Resources to Share With Your Employees:

For information and resources on evacuations and shelters, visit the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services website. You can also text LASHELTER to 898-211 or call 211 for statewide drive-up shelters. 

The Red Cross also has open shelters for those forced to evacuate. 

FEMA offers an Individual Assistance (IA) Grant Program. FEMA Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial assistance to those affected as a direct result of a major disaster or emergency.

The SBA’s Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center serves homeowners and renters impacted by Hurricane Ida. 

#HurricaneStrong provides a number of resources for preparing for and dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane. Their financial security guide can help you understand your insurance coverage. 

The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) is administered in response to federally declared disasters. Pre-registration does not guarantee benefits but will speed up the application process that determines eligibility. Pre-register for DSNAP. 

If you need power to charge your devices, check out Community Power Stations. If you have power and would like to join the map to become a Community Power Station, email [email protected]. 

Be Better Prepared in the Future

Our friends at Guardian Computer created a plan covering your IT needs for future storms.

The FLASH Ready Business Program helps businesses develop a preparedness program. These toolkits help identify risks and prepare mitigation and response plans. 

Closing Thoughts

Founded in New Orleans in 2012, Online Optimism prides itself in being a member of the Gulf Coast community and understands its steadfast resilience. Although Hurricane Ida has left a great deal of damage in its wake, we are dedicated to supporting the individuals and businesses affected by the storm, and are confident in our city’s return.

If you have a resource that we haven’t yet included, please reach out via [email protected] and we’re happy to add it.

New Orleans
Online Optimism