The Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion that cost eleven workers their lives on April 20th was a tragedy of enormous proportions. Although the leak has finally been contained and oil is no longer spilling into the Gulf, it will take months, even years, to overcome the resulting environmental and economic damage. As we work toward recovery in the Gulf, the House Small Business Committee wants to provide helpful resources to small business owners and entrepreneurs who are struggling in the wake of the spill.
**Please note that this webpage will be updated with new information as it becomes available, so check back often.**
Gulf Coast Claims Facility Now Open
On June 16, 2010, BP agreed to create a $20 billion escrow account to compensate affected business owners and other victims of the spill. Kenneth Feinberg has been named the administrator of the Gulf Coast Claims Facility, which is now processing oil spill claims. All claims filed with BP prior to August 23, 2010 have been transferred to the Gulf Coast Claims Facility for review, however, claimants will need to file new paperwork with the Gulf Coast Claims Facility.
You can contact the Gulf Coast Claims Facility several ways:
Online: www.GulfCoastClaimsFacility.com
By Phone: Toll free at 1.800.916.4893
By Fax: Complete the claim form and fax it to 1.866.682.1772
By E-Mail: info@gccf-claims.com
By Mail: Call the toll-free number to receive a claim form and mail to:
Gulf Coast Claims Facility
P.O. Box 9658
Dublin OH 43017-4958
At a Claim Site Office: Offices are located in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. A complete list of offices can be found at www.GulfCoastClaimsFacility.com.
Help from the Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has created a special program for oil spill victims in Louisiana. The agency has announced that it will make low-interest loans available to Louisiana Gulf Coast small businesses suffering financial losses as a result of the spill. SBA Administrator Karen Mills signed a declaration on May 5th that makes SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) available immediately to help meet the financial needs of qualifying small businesses.
From an SBA press release:
With the EIDL loans, SBA is offering working capital loans of up to $2 million at an interest rate of 4 percent with terms up to 30 years. The loans may be used by small businesses that are unable to obtain credit elsewhere to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. These loans can provide vital economic assistance to fishing and fishing-dependent businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. SBA encourages businesses to also file claims with BP. Borrowers may be required to use any claim payments to help repay these SBA loans.
Eligible small businesses include small businesses engaged in shrimping, crabbing and oyster fishing in the waters affected by the closure (employees or crew members are not small businesses and are not eligible); small businesses dependent on the catching or sale of shrimp, crabs and oysters, suppliers of fishing gear and fuel; docks, boatyards, processors, wholesalers, shippers, retailers and other small businesses dependent on revenue from fishing, recreational and sports fishing small businesses, and coastal small businesses.
Understanding the financial challenges many of these business owners currently face, the SBA is also strongly encouraging its participating 7(a) lenders and Certified Development Companies (CDCs) to consider on a case-by-case basis deferment relief for borrowers with SBA-guaranteed 7(a) loans and 504 loans.
For more information on EIDL loans, click here. You can also contact the SBA for more information by calling (800) 659-2955 or by e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
The SBA has also opened Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in communities affected by the spill. To find out if there is a Disaster Loan Outreach Center near you, click here.
Helpful Resources and Websites
For information about the response effort, click here.
To report oiled wildlife, call (866) 557-1401.
To report spill related damage, call (800) 440-0858.
To report oiled shoreline or request volunteer information, call (866) 448-5816
To submit alternative response technology, services or products, call (281) 366-5511
To submit a claim for damages, call (800) 440-0858
To contact the Deepwater Horizon Joint Information Center, call (985) 902-5231 or (985) 902-5240
