S. 1698: Small Business Disaster Coordination Act

This bill, titled the Small Business Disaster Coordination Act, aims to enhance the support provided to small businesses during and after disaster situations by improving coordination among various resource partners and federal agencies. Here are the main components of what the bill would do:

Coordination in Disaster Response

The bill proposes amendments to the Small Business Act to allow the Small Business Administration (SBA) to better coordinate disaster response efforts. Key features include:

• Disaster Recovery Assistance: The Administrator of the SBA is authorized to permit resource partners to assist small businesses outside their usual service areas. This would require that resource partners coordinate with other partners that serve the local area of the small business seeking assistance.
• Duration of Assistance: Resource partners may offer advice and support for up to two years after a disaster is officially recognized, with the possibility of extending this timeframe at the Administrator's discretion.
• Continuity of Services: Efforts will be made to ensure that services remain consistent across different areas where resource partners traditionally operate.
• Facilities Use: Resource partners may use designated sites or facilities to provide disaster recovery assistance as needed.

Information Sharing

The bill emphasizes the need for effective communication and information sharing among SBA and its resource partners. It mandates that:

• The SBA make relevant information available to resource partners, helping them assist small business disaster loan applicants.

Coordination for Disaster Planning

In addition to response, the bill includes provisions for improving disaster planning efforts by mandating coordination among:

• Federal agencies
• State and local authorities
• Resource partners of the SBA

This aims to ensure a coordinated approach to handling demands related to disasters effectively.

Web Connectivity

The bill also calls for the inclusion of links to the websites of SBA resource partners to provide more accessible information and access to assistance for small businesses.

Conclusion

Overall, the Small Business Disaster Coordination Act seeks to strengthen the framework of support for small businesses in disaster situations through enhanced coordination, more effective information sharing, and comprehensive planning efforts.

Relevant Companies

None found