[StBernard] ADVISORY: LRA Takes Questions on Small Firm Loans, Technical Assistance

[Westley Annis]

ADVISORY: LRA, LED, and OCD to Address Questions about the Solicitation for Grant Applications for the Small Firm Loan & Grant and Technical Assistance Programs

BATON ROUGE, La. (October 25, 2006) - The Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA), Louisiana Economic Development (LED), and the Office of Community Development (OCD) will hold conference calls next week to answer questions concerning the Solicitations for Grant Applications issued on Monday, October 23, 2006. 

Potential applicants for both the Small Firm Loan & Grant Program and Technical Assistance to Small Firms Program will be able to ask questions and receive more information about the programs. 

The Monday call will focus on the Small Firm Loan & Grant Program. The second call, on Tuesday, will focus on the Technical Assistance to Small Firms.

What: Small Firm Loan & Grant Program Conference Call
When: 2:00 p.m. CT, Monday, October 30
Call-in number: 877-278-8686
PIN number: 015578


What: Technical Assistance to Small Firms Conference Call 
When: 10:00 a.m. CT, Tuesday, October 31
Call-in number: 877-278-8686
PIN number: 015578

There are a limited number of lines for the conference calls. If you plan to participate, please email your contact information to rsvp at louisianarecoveryauthority.org <mailto:rsvp at louisianarecoveryauthority.org> . 

Both programs are designed to stabilize and invigorate thousands of businesses and non-profit agencies in storm-affected areas by providing low-cost financing, as well as strategic planning, marketing, legal and other technical assistance small businesses need to thrive in a post-hurricane environment. Solicitations are due December 1, 2006. Small businesses and nonprofits are expected to be able to access the! services by early January 2007. 

Click here <http://www.lra.louisiana.gov/rfpmainpage.html> for more information.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated South Louisiana, destroying more than 200,000 homes and businesses. The LRA is the planning and coordinating body that was created in the aftermath of these storms by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco to lead one of the most extensive rebuilding efforts in the world. The LRA is a 33-member body which is coordinating across jurisdictions, supporting community recovery and resurgence, ensuring integrity and effectiveness and planning for the recovery and rebuilding of Louisiana.


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