GALVESTON, Texas — Galveston Mayor Craig Brown has announced that the city is "open for business" as the Island recovers from Hurricane Beryl.
Brown also emphasized help is available to businesses in need no matter where they are in the recovery phase.
On Wednesday, the Small Business Administration opened up a business recovery center at the Marmo Plaza, where business owners and residents can get free services and ask about disaster recovery loans.
One restaurant owner came by to hear what they had to say.
“We really didn’t know where to go to,” said Edward Benjamin, owner of Ophelia’s Café at 3106 Market Street in the historic Miller Commercial Building.
He was invited to a news conference on Wednesday to hear what the SBA and other local leaders have to offer.
Benjamin’s building flooded during Hurricane Beryl.
“It’s stressful, knowing that you gotta sit out and this is your livelihood and if you don’t open up you ain’t got no money to pay no bills,” Benjamin said.
“Some people are on the road to recovery, others are trying to get the lights on,” said Francisco Sanchez, associate administrator with the SBA.
Sanchez said the Business Recovery Center is open for business owners and residents who may need disaster recovery assistance.
Benjamin said he has to replace a deep fryer and redo his floors due to the flooding. He estimates it could take a month before he’s back up and running.
“It’s a blessing, in a way it can help you get back on your feet and get you back further than what you got going on right now,” Benjamin said.
Mayor Brown said the loans can be an important step on the road to economic recovery.
“We can come back and do the manpower but in terms of the finances to help fuel that, its imperative the SBA and other programs like that can provide very low-cost loans to get these businesses up and running very quickly,” Mayor Brown said.
According to the SBA, business owners may borrow up to $2 million for economic injury or property damage. Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofits, or 2.68 percent for homeowners and renters for up to 30-year terms.
The business recovery center is open at the Marmo Plaza at 2121 Market St. from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays starting July 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You’re encouraged to bring any business documents with you. You can also apply online at SBA.gov/disaster. Information is available in both English and Spanish.