Small Business Disaster Coordination Act

More disaster help from SBA partners

If enacted, the SBA Administrator would be able to let SBA resource partners (for example, Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, and Veterans outreach centers) give advice and counseling to small businesses in disaster areas even if the partner does not normally serve that area. That cross-area help would be allowed only when the business is in an area eligible for SBA 7(b)(2) disaster loans and the assisting partner coordinates with the local partner. The help would generally be allowed for up to 2 years after the disaster is declared, and the Administrator could extend that period. Resource partners would be asked to maintain continuity of services in their normal areas and, when practical, use SBA-designated disaster recovery sites. SBA would add partner website links to disaster communications and share post-disaster information with resource partners. The bill would also add resource partners into SBA disaster planning and coordination with other federal, state, local, and regional authorities. If enacted, these changes would take effect upon enactment.