Library hosts Blue Zones Project discussion
Kirstin Kahaloa, Blue Zones Community Engagement Lead for West Hawaii, will discuss the Blue Zones Project on Wednesday at the Kealakekua Public Library.
The discussion gets underway at 5:30 p.m. She will also cover how to get involved, and what the project means for the community.
Info: Call 323-7585.
Federal disaster loans available to small nonfarm businesses
Small nonfarm businesses in Hawaii County are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the drought in Hawaii County that began June 20, announced Director Tanya N. Garfield of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West. The deadline to apply for these loans is April 17, 2018.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster,” Garfield said.
Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses, which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on Aug. 17.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Service Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disaste-customerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.