With a family and employment history in the mattress manufacturing industry, Juan Rodriguez looked to find an organization that could help him with starting his own mattress repairing, manufacturing, and refurbishing business. Luckily, he found the Oklahoma SBDC, registered for advising, and was assigned to business advisor Susan Urbach.  

With over 30 years of advising experience, Urbach has worked with numerous mattress manufacturers in the past, so her knowledge was incredibly beneficial for Juan’s business development. She was impressed by how Rodriguez had already bought and established his own shop with cost-efficient methods and equipment. She took the time to help him get the necessities for his business squared-away. After assisting with the business set-up, logo, website, accounting systems, sample sales, service contracts and invoices, Susan worked with Juan to identify customer targets in retail, wholesale, and commercial markets. 

“I can’t imagine trying to start this business without the help of the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center and meeting with Susan Urbach,” says Rodriguez. “I knew there was a lot to learn, but she made things understandable, and was so patient. I have been trying to keep all my startup costs as low as possible, and she helped me find all sorts of other resources that were reasonable, and many were even free.” 

Need help with your business?

No matter the size or stage of your business, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has the knowledge, tools and resources to help your Oklahoma business start, grow and succeed. We provide no-cost, confidential consulting to help Oklahoma’s businesses start, sustain, or expand.

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Nelson Allen, a Tulsa resident for over 44 years with a strong business background, had a passion for starting his own storage facility company and doing what he could to support his community of North Tulsa. He had been planning the start of his business for over five years, going to conventions, and talking to different storage facility owners to learn as much as he could.  

Eventually, Nelson reached out to the Oklahoma SBDC and was assigned business advisor Jessee Paxton. In partnership with the Greenwood Women’s Business Center, Jessee helped fill in the gaps so Nelson could reach his business goals. Although Nelson already knew most things on how to start a business, he worked with the Oklahoma SBDC to make sure that he had everything planned out and every box checked before he opened his doors. Gilcrease Express Storage was able to open in late 2022 with a climate-controlled, state-of-the-art facility with 24-hour security monitoring video surveillance. 

“Jessee and the SBDC helped teach me what to do and what not to do,” said business owner Nelson Allen. “With the trainings and one-on-one counseling, [they helped provide] me business skills in planning, marketing, and HR… I will continue to use the SBDC and the Greenwood Women’s Business Center to help accomplish my future business goals which is adding more businesses around the storage facility that will build the community and help with more business opportunities for entrepreneurs.” 

Need help with your business?

No matter the size or stage of your business, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has the knowledge, tools and resources to help your Oklahoma business start, grow and succeed. We provide no-cost, confidential consulting to help Oklahoma’s businesses start, sustain, or expand.

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With a goal to create a healthy snack bar, Jeff Ragan founded KiZE Concepts, a business that produces healthy nutrition bars in a variety of flavors. While preparing for the required certifications, the company heard about the Oklahoma SBDC and reached out for assistance with the Safe Quality Food (SQF) audit. Despite the set-back made by the COVID-19 pandemic, they were able to pass the audit in October of 2020, thanks in large part to the help of business advisor Stephanie Baker, who met with the KiZE team regularly to review the necessary code requirements.  

KiZE continued to improve their food safety and quality programs while working with the Oklahoma SBDC. Because of this, they were able to pass both the 2021 and the 2022 SQF audits, allowing their company to expand their sales. 

“Really incredible service from Stephanie Baker,” says Jeff Ragan, CEO of KiZE. “We have no prior industry experience and going for a high-level, difficult audit like SQF would not have been possible without her support. Not only did we pass, we received an excellent score – 11 points higher than when we did the first time. Stephanie was a huge part in helping prepare and improve our operation and understanding the SQF system…” 

“… We are extremely grateful to have the support from the Oklahoma SBDC and know that the investment in us will continue to pay dividends in improving our business, the lives of our people, and our community.” 

Need help with your business?

No matter the size or stage of your business, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has the knowledge, tools and resources to help your Oklahoma business start, grow and succeed. We provide no-cost, confidential consulting to help Oklahoma’s businesses start, sustain, or expand.

Want to be one of our success stories? Click the button below to get started!

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The Arkansas-Oklahoma Railroad Company is a family owned and operated Class III railroad serving customers along a 118-mile corridor between Howe, OK to McAlester, OK and Shawnee, OK to Midwest City, OK. The key commodities received are: wheat, corn, oats, CSM, feed ingredients, frack sand, ceramic proppant, auto’s, plastic resin pellets, drilling fluid products, hydrochloric acid, lumber, and hydro processing catalyst. The key commodities shipped are: coal, aggregate, and decorative stone. The A-OK provides storage car needs on short- and long-term basis to customers looking for convenient reliable service. Inspection, running repairs, cleaning, and stenciling services can be provided upon request. The A-OK currently has 23 storage car customers. The A-OK can accommodate unit pipe trains at Midwest City, OK, McAlester, OK and Wister, OK. The A-OK facilitates rail car leasing for a wide variety of car types upon request. The A-OK provides land and rail service for trans-loading upon request.

A-OK started working with the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center for disaster relief support during the pandemic and the severe weather in winter of 2021. After becoming familiar with the services offered, the OKSBDC continues to be a resource on business growth strategy, research assistance and management opportunities. The leaders of the railroad work with OKSBDC advisors and research team to pull statistics and data for key transportation upgrades, to learn ways to leverage federal, state and tribal workforce and financial programs. 

A-OK through the family leadership of the Donoley Family is an economic driver in Oklahoma. As leadership has transitioned to the next generation, the company continues to look forward to expansion and opportunities for partnership to grow the economy. The past 36 months have been challenging, initially due to COVID and severe winter weather which created chaos and physical damage; then the family dealt with a serious health crisis which was emotionally challenging. The leadership of this second generation kept the railroad moving forward. While shouldering more duties, this group recognizes the power of collaboration and is appreciative of the OKSBDC resources and support. 

Need help with your business?

No matter the size or stage of your business, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has the knowledge, tools and resources to help your Oklahoma business start, grow and succeed. We provide no-cost, confidential consulting to help Oklahoma’s businesses start, sustain, or expand.

Want to be one of our success stories? Click the button below to get started!

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Hotel property owners and managers, Vik and Jenny Desai learned about OKSBDC small business advising services in 2019 with the goal of improving accounting. While these hotel owners were successful, they recognized the value of evaluation and assistance from an outside team. 

“…Then, 2020 hit, and the hospitality industry was crushed…” said Jenny Desai. The pair worked with OKSBDC throughout the pandemic for assistance navigating relief programs and for discussion on moving the business forward during difficult times. 

Jenny goes on, “After 2020/2021 settled down, we began meeting with Dana Hugle. We are a maturing company, and needed some guidance on HR best practices, growing a positive culture in our business, searching for the best insurance companies, and EIDL payback. We have relied on Dana and Ben Evans at OKSBDC to help guide us through this complicated process. It has been extremely helpful to have someone to ask questions to, someone who may have more access to higher levels of SBA, etc…” 

Advisors at OKSBDC assisted with HR and guest policy review. They also supported the business owners in discussions around employee training and retention. The hotel staff turnover rates have declined and the satisfaction rates have improved. 

Many small business owners are under the misconception that OKSBDC only works with start-up businesses; however, the business advisors address a number of issues from financial, to staffing, to marketing and much more. With a company that has a history of success in the industry, working with an OKSBDC advisor gives fresh perspective and the encouragement needed for the business owners to continue to move forward. 

Need help with your business?

No matter the size or stage of your business, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has the knowledge, tools and resources to help your Oklahoma business start, grow and succeed. We provide no-cost, confidential consulting to help Oklahoma’s businesses start, sustain, or expand.

Want to be one of our success stories? Click the button below to get started!

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MacKenzie Russom had always wanted to start her own salon business, but could not figure out where to begin. Luckily, one of her clients told her about the services the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center provides, and how they could help her follow her dream and reach her goal. On the same day Russom found out about the Oklahoma SBDC, she booked an appointment with the Oklahoma SBDC and was paired with Nichole Tucker, who would help MacKenzie through the start-up process.

Eventually, Nichole was able to help MacKenzie with finding a building, hiring employees, and opening the business, all under 30 days. Not only that, but Nichole was able to help with the personal loan application process, the business plan, financials, marketing plan, and online system for clients to schedule appointments.

“I had the upmost professional, kind, helpful experience,” said MacKenzie. “Nichole was absolutely more than helpful. I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with.”

Need help with your business?

No matter the size or stage of your business, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has the knowledge, tools and resources to help your Oklahoma business start, grow and succeed. We provide no-cost, confidential consulting to help Oklahoma’s businesses start, sustain, or expand.

Want to be one of our success stories? Click the button below to get started!

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Rebecca and Chris Britton knew exactly where to go for help when they started their business – the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center, getting in contact with Business Advisor Susan Urbach. The Britton’s industry experience helped them observe and find a niche market. Chris has longstanding experience in the warehousing and transportation logistics area, and Rebecca also has warehousing experience along with senior management experience in another company. Together, with help from the Oklahoma SBDC, they would create Endeavor Industries, LLC.

Endeavor Industries is an e-commerce fulfillment and Amazon FBA prep service located in west central Oklahoma City. E-commerce has been growing for years, and especially spiked during the time of the pandemic, and there will be a continued increase in e-commerce as time goes on. They have engaged other programs that deal exactly with local Oklahoma companies who are wanting to get into or expand on their e-commerce options. They anticipate other companies approaching Endeavor Industries, namely those that will find a central US location helpful in their e-commerce strategy.

“That was something we so appreciated,” said Rebecca Britton. “Getting a business loan is very different from a consumer loan.  We are grateful that we worked with the Oklahoma small Business Development Center and had that experience on our side.”

Need help with your business?

No matter the size or stage of your business, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has the knowledge, tools and resources to help your Oklahoma business start, grow and succeed. We provide no-cost, confidential consulting to help Oklahoma’s businesses start, sustain, or expand.

Want to be one of our success stories? Click the button below to get started!

Request Advising

Eastern Oklahoma State College

The Oklahoma SBDC at Eastern Oklahoma State College provides entrepreneurs with professional business consulting at no cost, management training, and vital information they need to grow and succeed in a complex and competitive global environment.


Eastern Oklahoma State University Logo
1301 W. Main Street
Choctaw Hall Rm: 132
Wilburton, OK 74578

Personal Safety

Take care of yourself first

You have just been through a disaster that has turned your life upside down. A disaster can do damage beyond the obvious physical destruction. The hidden enemy could be emotional stress and anxiety. Stay calm and collected and remember that cooler heads will prevail in times of adversity. The Red Cross and FEMA suggest the following steps you can make to relieve any tensions or stress:

  • Discuss and communicate your problems
  • Rest often and eat well
  • Set a manageable schedule
  • Watch for signs of stress
  • Seek help if you cannot shake feelings of anxiety or stress

Stay healthy

The damage to your business or property from a disaster can cause various potential dangers to your health. The building’s foundation could have become weakened, the electrical system may have shorted out and flooding or rain may have left behind things that can make you very sick. For these reasons, you should avoid the cleanup unless you know what you are doing or until you know it is safe to do so.

FEMA and the Red Cross suggest that infants, pregnant women and people with health problems should avoid the damaged or flooded property until cleanup is complete. In addition, confirm that the water is safe at your property before you drink it or wash anything with it.

The following are some recommended procedures from the Department of Labor to keep you safe and healthy if you attempt cleanup efforts yourself:

Health tips

  • Take frequent rest breaks when lifting heavy objects. Avoid overexertion, and practice good lifting techniques. To help prevent injury, use teams of two or more to move bulky objects; avoid lifting any materials that weigh more than 50 pounds per person, and use proper automated lifting assistance devices if practical.
  • When working in hot environments, have plenty of drinking water available, use sunscreen and take frequent rest breaks. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Be sure a first-aid kit is available to disinfect any cuts or abrasions. Protect open cuts and abrasions with waterproof gloves or dressings.
  • Wash your hands often during the day, especially before eating, drinking or applying cosmetics.

General precautions

  • Use a wooden stick or pole to check flooded areas for pits, holes and protruding objects before entering.
  • Ensure that all ladders and scaffolds are properly secured prior to use.
  • Conduct a preliminary worksite inspection to verify stability before entering a flooded or formerly flooded building or before operating vehicles over roadways or surfaces. Don’t work in or around any flood-damaged building until it has been examined and certified as safe for work by a registered professional engineer or architect.
  • Washouts, trenches, excavations and gullies must be supported or their stability verified prior to worker entry. All trenches should be supported (e.g., with a trench box). If no support is available, the trench must be sloped at no less than a 1:1 (45°) angle for cohesive soil and 1:1½ (34°) angle for granular soils including gravel, sand and loamy sand or submerged soil or soil from which water is freely seeping.
  • Establish a plan for contacting medical personnel in the event of an emergency.
  • Report any obvious hazards (downed power lines, frayed electric wires, gas leaks or snakes) to appropriate authorities.
  • Use fuel-powered generators outdoors. Do not bring them indoors. Use life-vests when engaged in activities that could result in deep water exposure.
  • Use extreme caution when handling containers holding unknown substances or known toxic substances (for example floating containers of household or industrial chemicals). Contact the Environmental Protection Agency for information on disposal at the National Response Center (1-800-424-8802).
  • Do NOT use improvised surfaces (e.g., refrigerator racks) for cooking food or for boiling water to avoid exposure to heavy metals.

Clothing and personal protective equipment

  • Always wear water tight boots with steel toes and insoles, gloves, long pants and safety glasses during cleanup operations; sneakers should NOT be worn because they will not prevent punctures, bites or crush injuries. Wear a hardhat if there is any danger of falling debris.
  • Wear a NIOSH-approved dust respirator if working with moldy building materials or vegetable matter (hay, stored grain or compost).
  • When handling bleach or other chemicals, follow the directions on the package; wear eye, hand and face protection as appropriate, and have plenty of clean water available for eye wash and other first-aid treatments.

Electrical hazards

  • Do NOT touch downed power lines or any object or water that is in contact with such lines.
  • Treat all power lines as energized until you are certain that the lines have been de-energized.
  • Beware of overhead and underground lines when clearing debris. Extreme caution is necessary when moving ladders and other equipment near overhead power lines to avoid inadvertent contact.
  • If damage to an electrical system is suspected (for example, if the wiring has been under water, you can smell burning insulation, wires are visibly frayed or you see sparks), turn off the electrical system in the building and follow lockout/tagout procedures before beginning work. Do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician.
  • When using a generator, be sure that the main circuit breaker is OFF and locked out prior to starting the generator. This will prevent inadvertent energization of power lines from backfeed electrical energy from generators and help protect utility line workers from possible electrocution.
  • Be aware that de-energized power lines may become energized by a secondary power source such as a portable backup generator.
  • Any electrical equipment, including extension cords, used in wet environments must be marked, as appropriate, for use in wet locations and must be undamaged. Be sure that all connections are out of water.
  • All cord-connected, electrically operated tools and equipment must be grounded or double insulated.
  • Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) must be used in all wet locations. Portable GFCIs can be purchased at hardware stores.

Fire protection

  • Immediately evacuate any building that has a gas leak until the leak is controlled and the area ventilated.
  • Be sure an adequate number of fire extinguishers are available and re-evaluate the fire evacuation plan.
  • Be sure all fire exits are clear of debris and sand bags.

SBA Disaster Services

What Types of Disaster Loans are Available?
  • Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate or personal property owned by the victim. Renters are eligible for their personal property losses, including automobiles.
  • Business Physical Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
  • EIDL assistance is available only to entities and their owners who cannot provide for their own recovery from non-government sources, as determined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
What are the Credit Requirements?
  • Credit History – Applicants must have a credit history acceptable to SBA.
  • Repayment – Applicants must show the ability to repay all loans.
  • Collateral – Collateral is required for physical loss loans over $14,000 and all EIDL loans over $5,000. SBA takes real estate as collateral when it is available. SBA will not decline a loan for lack of collateral, but requires you to pledge what is available.
What are the Interest Rates?

By law, the interest rates depend on whether each applicant has Credit Available Elsewhere. An applicant does not have Credit Available Elsewhere when SBA determines the applicant does not have sufficient funds or other resources, or the ability to borrow from non-government sources, to provide for its own disaster recovery. An applicant, which SBA determines to have the ability to provide for his or her own recovery is deemed to have Credit Available Elsewhere. Interest rates are fixed for the term of the loan. The interest rates applicable for this disaster are:

No Credit Available elsewhere Credit Available elsewhere
Home Loans 1.875% 3.750%
Business Loans 4.000% 6.000%
Non-Profit Organization Loans 2.875% 2.875%
Economic Injury Loans
Business and Small Agric. Cooperatives 4.000% N/A
Non-Profit Organizations 2.875% N/A
What are Loan Terms?

The law authorizes loan terms up to a maximum of 30 years. However, the law restricts businesses with credit available elsewhere to a maximum 7-year term. SBA sets the installment payment amount and corresponding maturity based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.

What are the Loan Amount Limits?
  • Home Loans – SBA regulations limit home loans to $200,000 for the repair or replacement of real estate and $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Subject to these maximums, loan amounts cannot exceed the verified uninsured disaster loss.
  • Business Loans – The law limits business loans to $2,000,000 for the repair or replacement of real estate, inventories, machinery, equipment and all other physical losses. Subject to this maximum, loan amounts cannot exceed the verified uninsured disaster loss.
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – The law limits EIDL(s) to $2,000,000 for alleviating economic injury caused by the disaster. The actual amount of each loan is limited to the economic injury determined by SBA, less business interruption insurance and other recoveries up to the administrative lending limit. SBA also considers potential contributions that are available from the business and/or its owner(s) or affiliates.
  • Business Loan Ceiling – The $2,000,000 statutory limit for business loans applies to the combination of physical, economic injury, mitigation and refinancing, and applies to all disaster loans to a business and its affiliates for each disaster. If a business is a major source of employment, SBA has the authority to waive the $2,000,000 statutory limit.
What Restrictions are there on Loan Eligibility?
  • Uninsured Losses – Only uninsured or otherwise uncompensated disaster losses are eligible. Any insurance proceeds which are required to be applied against outstanding mortgages are not available to fund disaster repairs and do not reduce loan eligibility. However, any insurance proceeds voluntarily applied to any outstanding mortgages do reduce loan eligibility.
  • Ineligible Property – Secondary homes, personal pleasure boats, airplanes, recreational vehicles and similar property are not eligible, unless used for business purposes. Property such as antiques and collections are eligible only to the extent of their functional value. Amounts for landscaping, swimming pools, etc., are limited.
  • Noncompliance – Applicants who have not complied with the terms of previous SBA loans are not eligible. This includes borrowers who did not maintain flood and/or hazard insurance on previous SBA or Federally insured loans.
Is There Help with Funding Mitigation Improvements?

If your loan application is approved, you may be eligible for additional funds to cover the cost of improvements that will protect your property against future damage. Examples of improvements include retaining walls, seawalls, sump pumps, etc. Mitigation loan money would be in addition to the amount of the approved loan, but may not exceed 20 percent of total amount of disaster damage to real estate and/or leasehold improvements, as verified by SBA to a maximum of $200,000 for home loans. It is not necessary for the description of improvements and cost estimates to be submitted with the application. SBA approval of the mitigating measures will be required before any loan increase.

Is There Help Available for Refinancing?
  • SBA can refinance all or part of prior mortgages that are evidenced by a recorded lien, when the applicant (1) does not have credit available elsewhere, (2) has suffered substantial uncompensated disaster damage (40 percent or more of the value of the property), and (3) intends to repair the damage.
  • Homes – Homeowners may be eligible for the refinancing of existing liens or mortgages on homes, in some cases up to the amount of the loan for real estate repair or replacement.
  • Businesses – Business owners may be eligible for the refinancing of existing mortgages or liens on real estate, machinery and equipment, in some cases up to the amount of the loan for the repair or replacement of real estate, machinery, and equipment.
What if I Decide to Relocate?

You may use your SBA disaster loan to relocate. The amount of the relocation loan depends on whether you relocate voluntarily or involuntarily. If you are interested in relocation, an SBA representative can provide you with more details on your specific situation.

Are There Insurance Requirements for Loans?

To protect each borrower and the Agency, SBA may require you to obtain and maintain appropriate insurance. By law, borrowers whose damaged or collateral property is located in a special flood hazard area must purchase and maintain flood insurance for the full insurable value of the property for the life of the loan.

What information must I submit for a disaster loan?

Submit a completed loan application and a signed and dated IRS form 8821 giving permission for the IRS to provide the SBA your tax return information. To process your application, the SBA needs current financial information such as a personal financial statement, a current profit-and-loss statement, balance sheet and a list of debts.

Can I use the disaster loan to expand my business?

The disaster loan helps restore property to pre-disaster condition and, under certain circumstances, protects the structure from future disasters. It cannot upgrade or expand a business unless required by local building codes.

I already have a mortgage on my business. Can the SBA refinance my mortgage?

The SBA can refinance all or part of a previous mortgage in some cases when the applicant does not have credit available elsewhere, has suffered uninsured damage (40 percent or more of the property value) and intends to repair the damage. SBA disaster loan officers can provide additional details.

How soon before I know I’ve been approved for a loan?

The sooner you return the completed loan application, the sooner the SBA can process it. The SBA tries to make a decision within 18 days. Make sure the application is complete. Missing information is a major cause of delays.

Is collateral required for these loans?

Physical loss loans of more than $14,000 and all EIDL loans of more than $5,000 must be secured to the extent possible. SBA will not decline a loan if there isn’t enough collateral but requires you to pledge what is available. That usually consists of a first or second mortgage on the damaged business real estate or best available if you don’t have real estate.

Should I wait for my insurance settlement before I file my loan application?

No. Don’t miss the filing deadline by waiting for an insurance settlement. Final insurance information can be added when a settlement is made. The SBA can approve a loan for the total replacement cost, but any insurance proceeds that duplicate SBA’s loan must be applied to your SBA loan.

How may I use an Economic Injury Disaster Loan?

The loan provides working capital for disaster-related needs until your business or private, non-profit organization recovers. You may request an EIDL for the amount of economic injury but not in excess of what your business or private, non-profit organization could have paid if the disaster had not occurred. EIDL loans cannot refinance long-term debts or provide working capital needed before the disaster. EIDL loans do not replace sales or lost profits.

Must I submit a personal financial statement with my loan application?

Yes. The SBA must review a financial statement for each owner and one for each partner, officer, director and stockholder with 20 percent or more ownership. The SBA requires the principals of the business to personally guarantee repayment of the loan and in some instances to secure the loan by pledging additional collateral.

Are there consequences for misuse of the loan proceeds?

Yes. The penalty for misusing disaster funds is immediate repayment of one-and-a-half times the original amount of the loan.

Is there a minimum monthly payment? When is the first payment due?

The SBA does not have a minimum monthly payment. Payments vary depending upon income and expenses, size of family and other circumstances that may affect your repayment ability. Generally, the first payment is not due until five months after the date of the loan, but this term may be extended to a year in most cases upon request.

Where can I get more information about SBA loans?

For more information, contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s web site at http://www.sba.gov. Hearing impaired individuals may call (800) 877-8339. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure Web site at http://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.