Hurricane Sandy: SBA Small Business Recovery and Matchmaking Event
SBA and the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force are teaming up to host the Hurricane Sandy Small Business Recovery and Matchmaking Summit on August 7th—the first event of its kind in the region since the disaster. The summit will connect small businesses to commercial buyers from the private sector and federal, state and local governments. SBA Administrator Karen Mills and HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan will provide remarks.
On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy made landfall resulting in major flooding, extensive structural damage, and significant loss of life. Thousands of individuals were displaced, millions lost power, and business ecosystems were disrupted throughout the region. In fact, small businesses continue to face a number of challenges as they seek to rebuild their companies.
In December of 2012, an Executive Order signed by President Obama established the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force to coordinate federal, state and local resources to identify opportunities for achieving rebuilding success, to support economic vitality, among other objectives. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a key member of the Task Force, and our programs play a significant role in the long-term economic recovery of the region through support for businesses in need of counseling, financing and other resources. SBA approved more than $2.3 billion in disaster loans to 35,900 residents and businesses in states affected by Hurricane Sandy – making it the third largest natural disaster in U.S. history for the agency. SBA’s Resource Partners are also supporting Hurricane Sandy small business recovery, laying a foundation for economic recovery and resiliency, thanks to expanded services funded by $19 million in grants. In addition, we know that accessing commercial and federal contracting opportunities are critical in these rebuilding efforts.
That’s why the SBA and the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force are teaming up to host the Hurricane Sandy Small Business Recovery and Matchmaking Summit on Wednesday, August 7th—the first event of its kind in the region since the disaster —to educate and connect small businesses to commercial buyers from the private sector and federal, state and local governments. The goal is simple: help small businesses in the region to get back on their feet and to compete for opportunities in the region. Here are the details. We hope to see you there.
WHAT: Hurricane Sandy Small Business Recovery and Matchmaking
WHERE: New Jersey Institute of Technology
University Heights Newark, New Jersey 07102
WHEN: Wednesday, August 7th:
Registration & Resource Expo begin at noon, Program begins at 1PM
