Recovery from a disaster involves a thorough understanding of the circumstances -- and help. To that end, Inc.com has assembled news stories and commentary on Hurricane Katrina, as well as disaster resources from around the Web.
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Inc.com News
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July, 2006
- Lawsuits Could Lead to Higher Insurance Costs
- Property owners and insurance companies are battling over the definition of "damage" in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
- SBA Chief Meets with New Orleans Business Owners
- Steven Preston heard concerns from African-American entrepreneurs disrupted by Hurricane Katrina.
- New Grant Program Looks to Help N.O. Companies Create Revenue
- A $100,000 grant has been earmarked for 20 businesses of fewer than five employees that are working to bring tourism to the area.
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June, 2006
- Loan Deadline Extended for Gulf Coast Businesses
- Facing pressure from lawmakers, the SBA will give an extra month to businesses hit by last year's hurricanes.
- Democrats Push More Disaster Aid for Small Businesses
- A new bill seeks to remedy problems that arose during last year's hurricane season.
- SBA Nominee Pledges Commitment to Disaster Relief
- During his Senate confirmation hearing, Steven Preston deflected questions about his lack of experience as an entrepreneur.
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May, 2006
- Independent Gas Stations Cleared of Price Gouging
- A Federal Trade Commission report blames refinery disruptions for high prices after Hurricane Katrina.
- Gulf Coast Businesses Slow to Claim Loans
- Less than half of the businesses approved for post-Katrina loans have cashed in so far.
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April, 2006
- National Small Business Week Events Scaled Back
- With much focus still on Katrina recovery, the Small Business Administration’s annual expo will be truncated this year.
- SBA Makes Final Push on Katrina Loans
- Businesses damaged by the storm have until April 10 to apply for federal disaster loans.
- Most Business Owners Unprepared for Natural Disasters
- Even after Katrina, 84% say they are not concerned about hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes.
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March, 2006
- Gulf Coast Companies Receive Tax Break
- Small businesses can now receive tax credits for hiring workers affected by Hurricane Katrina.
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February, 2006
- Post-Katrina Struggles Continue
- A new study shows that small businesses in Louisiana are still searching for enough customers and employees.
- Gulf Coast Businesses Slow to Claim Loans
- Less than half of the businesses approved for post-Katrina loans have cashed in so far.
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January, 2006
- Even with Insurance, Gulf Coast Businesses Still Struggle
- Small businesses ravaged by Hurricane Katrina cite claims delays that have forced them to foot the bill for their own rebuilding efforts.
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December, 2005
- Congresswoman Calling for SBA Chief's Resignation
- Rep. Nydia Velazquez says the Small Business Administration, under Hector Barreto's leadership, has failed entrepreneurs impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
- Rebuilding the Gulf Coast Brick by Brick
- New federal program offers hurricane victims training in construction skills.
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November, 2005
- Leading Economic Indicators Show Improvement
- The Conference Board's monthly index posted gains in nearly all categories, hinting at a brighter economic outlook for the next three to six months.
- Democrats: Small-Business Outlook Worst in Eight Years
- Members of the House Small Business Committee cited higher overall costs and the recent hurricanes as factors.
- SBA Administrator Defends Hurricane Aid
- Before a Senate committee, Hector Barreto said the sheer volume of applications has delayed loans to individuals and small businesses.
- Gulf Coast Businesses Picking Up the Pieces -- Slowly
- Still facing worker shortages and loan delays, thousands of small businesses may be forced to close down or move out.
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October, 2005
- Business Donations for Hurricane Relief Reach $1 Billion
- Amount marks the largest disaster response by American businesses ever.
- Owners Warned About Disaster Loan Scams
- Feeding on frustration over delays, fake federal loan agents are offering to help storm victims, for a fee.
- Consumers Can't Shake Bad Mood
- Killer storms, high energy prices and a weak job market might dampen holiday shopping season.
- Fed Contracts Short of Small Business Targets
- House Democrats say fewer prime contracts went to small companies last year, raising concerns that many will be squeezed out of Gulf Coast rebuilding efforts.
- Leading Indicators Fall in September
- As storms take their toll on the economy, signs of resilience emerge.
- Producer Prices Jump in September
- Record-high energy costs kept aloft by Katrina are driving up raw material and consumer prices.
- SBA Eases Disaster Loan Requirements
- The changes come after complaints of costly delays from Gulf Coast small business owners over a month since Hurricane Katrina.
- Prices Shot Up In September
- Storms and energy costs speed inflation to a pace unseen in a quarter century, as consumer sales and confidence sag.
- Feds Slow With Disaster Loans, Business Owners Say
- Congressional hearing told small business recovery efforts after Katrina are moving at a snail's pace.
- Jobs Down Less Than Expected After Storms
- Leisure and retail sector losses from Katrina are offset by gains elswhere.
- Hiring Down at Small Businesses
- Katrina and Rita combine to put a damper on growth last month, according to payroll data.
September, 2005
- Jobless Claims Down as Growth Remains Steady
- GDP flattens out to a nine-quarter average as the economic shock of Katrina shows signs of fading.
- Consumer Mood Shattered
- As storms, gas prices and fewer jobs come to bear on consumer sentiment, small businesses stay upbeat.
- CEOs Bullish Despite Katrina
- With the exception of capital expenditures, CEOs see positive growth on the horizon.
- Post-Katrina Recovery Must Be Carefully Planned
- Chubb offers a checklist to help business owners pick up the pieces after disasters strike.
- Businesses Prepare for Another Big Storm
- With much of the Gulf Coast still reeling from Katrina, Florida owners decide it's better to be safe than sorry.
- Senate Offers Aid to Gulf Coast Businesses
- Under the bill, at least 30% of all federal contracts and 40% of subcontracting dollars used in recovery efforts will go to local companies.
- Consumer Confidence Plunges In September
- Soaring energy costs pushed higher by Katrina worries consumers.
- Construction Costs Headed Upward
- Katrina worsens longstanding materials shortages.
- Resilient ISP Kept New Orleans Connected
- As chaos erupted outside, a downtown Web company refused to let the city go offline.
- Flooded, Abandoned Properties Draw Speculators
- New Orleans homeowners lash out at 'carpetbaggers' looking for a deal.
- SBA, Others Gear Up For Relief Effort
- Small business groups in the Gulf Coast are preparing for a surge in emergency loan applications.
- Caught in the Storm's Path
- The owner of a Gulfport laundry business sizes up the damages.
- Katrina Strains Businesses Outside Her Path
- Montgomery, Ala.'s businesses bear the cost of hosting Katrina's victims.
August, 2005
- Attempts to Help Amid the Chaos
- Small business agency reaches out to companies in the region, with little success.
- Feds To Help Businesses Hit By Hurricane
- In storm's wake, loans and tax breaks await small business owners looking to rebuild.
Fresh Inc.
- Hurricane Katrina
- Click on the link above to read all the blog entries about the hurricane and its impact on businesses, or go directly to individual posts below:
- Awash in Fed Dollars
- SBA Pours More Money into the Gulf Coast
- Port Open for Business
- No One Asked Me, But...
- Will Katrina Help the Economy?
- Should Bush Fire Brown?
- Disaster Recovery Stories
- Katrina v. 9/11
- More on Hurricane Katrina
- Power Down
Disaster Recovery Resources
- Hurricane Housing
Website where victims can find shelter and everyone else can donation housing. - Continuity Central Offers of Assistance
A roundup of companies that are offering disaster recovery aid specifically aimed at businesses impacted by Hurricane Katrina. - SBA: Disaster Loan Assistance after a Declared Disaster
If you are in a declared disaster area and have suffered any disaster-related damage you may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. - FEMA: Emergency Management Guide for Business & Industry
A step-by-step approach to emergency planning, response, and recovery for companies of all sizes. - IRS: Tax Relief in Disaster Situations
Details on a special tax provision for Katrina victims, as well as other provisions which may help taxpayers recover financially from the impact of a disaster. - US Dept. of Labor: Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Financial assistance may be provided to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster. - MarketingSherpa's Katrina Resources
The MarketingSherpa site has gathered its own list of resources on what business groups are doing for companies impacted by Hurricane Katrina. - Inc.com: Leading Through a Crisis
After the Sept. 11 attacks, Inc. staff assembled resources for dealing with a disaster.
How You Can Help
- National Emergency Resource Registry
Register your business to provide resources for the relief of the hurricane's victims. - Help the Victims of Hurricane Katrina
The donation page at FEMA, with information and links on how to help with the disaster. - American Red Cross
Donate money to victims of Katrina, or volunteer at a local Red Cross chapter. - Habitat for Humanity
Assist financially or physically in the rebuilding effort. - The Hurricane Relief Job Board
Monster.com has launched a job board for people and businesses displaced by Hurricane Katrina. People affected by the disaster can find jobs, and employers seeking workers to rebuild their businesses can find candidates.
