[StBernard] St. B. Small Business Grant

[Westley Annis]

I have enclosed a copy of information on grants and zero interest loans
available to small businesses in St. Bernard.  You had to have experienced a
loss in business from 2nd quarter 2005 as compared to 2nd quarter 2006.

Please pass this on to anyone that you know who had or has a small business
in St. Bernard.  You can also call Bill Pope, President Regional Loan
Corporation for additional info.  RLC is one of the community non-profit
lenders referenced in the document below.  His number is:  504-524-6172 ext
105.

Robby

------------------------

The State of Louisiana has committed to $216.5 million dollars to several
programs to help small businesses in coastal Louisiana recover from
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Louisiana Small Business Retention Program

Governor Blanco, the Louisiana Recovery Authority and Louisiana Economic
Development announced a proposal to reallocate $100 million of the economic
development disaster recovery programs to provide much-needed grants to
small businesses.  The additional funds would provide financial relief to
sustain and restart small businesses in the most severely impacted areas of
Louisiana. Pending final approval of the proposed amendment, the state will
determine eligible amounts and expects to begin accepting applications in
early January 2007.

This $100 million grant program comes in addition to a $38 million dollar
program for 0% interest loans, a $68 million dollar program for loan
guarantees, and a $9.5 million general assistance program for small
businesses. Collectively, these programs are intended to provide a range of
much-needed assistance to small businesses struggling to rebound from last
year's storms. More information about each program can be found below.

Small businesses in the following areas of the state are eligible to apply:

*20 Damaged Parishes
Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St.
Tammany, Vermilion, Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Iberia, Jefferson Davis,
Lafourche, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, Tangipahoa,
Terrebonne, and Washington

**Most Affected Parishes, Cities/Towns & Zip Codes
Parishes: St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Orleans, Cameron
Cities/Towns: Angie, Slidell, Erath, Lafitte, Folsom, Chauvin, Delcambre,
Montegut, Pearl River, Springfield, Madisonville, Gretna, Franklinton
Zip Codes: 70373, 70006, 70461, 70458, 70528, 70463, 70533, 70067, 70464,
70460, 70065, 70397, 70353

Visit <http://www.LouisianaForward.com> for more information.