SBA Announces Proposed Changes to Small Business Procurement Rules

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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) released proposed changes to the small business procurement rules, including several provisions to the National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA) of 2016 and 2017, and the Recovery Improvements for Small Entities After Disaster Act of 2015 (RISE Act). The new proposed rule is expected to have a substantial impact on small business contracting.

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California Wildfires: Eligibility for SBA Disaster Loans and Disaster Recovery Centers

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While we still await updates, these California fires are being named the deadliest in the state’s history. At time of writing, the number of deaths from the Camp Fire in Northern California has risen to 77 while over 900 people remain missing. According to recent updates by Cal Fire, the Camp Fire has burned approximately 151,000 acres, causing over 40,000 residents to abandon their homes and find safety.

The Woosley Fire has burned more than 96,000 acres and numerous homes, and the Hill Fire in Ventura County has burned over 4,000 acres, including RVs and outbuildings. While the Hill Fire is fully contained, the Camp Fire is 66 percent contained and the Woolsey Fire is 94 percent contained. No matter how close your home or business is to wildland areas, it’s always best to be prepared in case of emergency evacuation, prepare your home to mitigate potential for damage, and have knowledge of your local and national recovery resources.

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California Fires in Butte, LA, and Ventura Counties, CA: Resources for Safety Preparedness and Financial Recovery

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After dealing with numerous deadly fires earlier this year, California is currently dealing with three major wildfires, including the Camp Fire in Butte County, the Woosley Fire in Los Angeles County and the Hill Fire in Ventura County. California Governor-elect Gavin Newsom recently issued emergency proclamations in response to the wildfires and requested  statewide FEMA Emergency Declaration. While Cal Fire firefighters still work hard to contain these fires and affected homeowners plan their next steps, it is important to know about the available resources for financial and physical damage recovery.

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Celebrate National Veterans Small Business Week, Nov. 5-9th

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With Veterans Day fast approaching, Americans are honoring the brave men and women who have not only served to protect our country but are now invaluable contributors to the community and economy. Next week, from November 5th to 9th, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be celebrating the of accomplishments veteran entrepreneurs, as well as service member and military spouse small business owners, during National Veterans Small Business Week.

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Celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month This October

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October is National Women’s Small Business Month, dedicated to celebrating the contributions and successes of our nation’s women small business owners. Women-owned businesses are one of the fastest growing segments of the economy, as four out of 10 U.S. businesses are owned by women, according to the American Express State of Women-Owned Businesses 2018 report, and they comprise a total of 12.3 million firms. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the triumphs of women business owners and acknowledge the challenges they face.

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SBA Disaster Assistance Available for Residents Affected by Hurricane Michael

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Administrator Linda McMahon announced that the SBA will provide disaster loan assistance to Florida businesses, homeowners and renters affected by the recent Hurricane Michael, following the Presidential disaster declaration for Mexico Beach, Florida and nearby areas.

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Hurricane Florence: Prepare for Today and Tomorrow with Access to Capital and Resources

Resources for local, county, state and federal programs, including loans for up to $2 million with no application or processing fees and no payment for the first year, to help rebuild your personal and professional life.

North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia have declared states of emergency as they prepare for Hurricane Florence, a Category 4 Hurricane that is set to strike this week. According to CoreLogic, the effects of this natural disaster could damage over 700,000 homes, which could cost around $170.2 billion for reconstruction.

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Resources for Northeast Flash Flood Victims

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While the West Coast deals with deadly wildfires, the East Coast has been experiencing life-threatening floods over the past few weeks. From upstate New York to the Mid-Atlantic, the North East has endured heavy rainfall and flash flooding. USA Today reports that around 30 million people have been affected by continual flood watches.

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2018 California Fires: Resources for Safety Preparedness and Financial Recovery

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California has dealt with an onslaught of fires in the past few weeks. The Mendocino Complex Fire, Carr Fire, Ferguson Fire and Holy Fire are some of the largest that have been ravaging the state from North to South. While Cal Fire firefighters still work hard to contain these fires and affected homeowners plan their next steps, it is important to know about the available resources for financial and physical damage recovery.

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Knowing Your Partners — Financial Support and Legal Community

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Following the “Freddie Mac Today” Panel at the 2018 NAWRB Conference, which offered valuable information on opportunities for homebuyers and businesses, the “Knowing Your Partners, Financial Support and Legal Community” Panel, including Sarah Goldfrank, Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Fannie Mae; Alexander Almazan, Attorney, Almazan Law; Mark Ferguson, Deputy District Director, Illinois District Office, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA); and Desiree Patno, CEO & President, NAWRB, continued to educate our audience about the power of knowing your customers, market and legal community for ensuring the success of their business.

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