ECONOMIC INJURY

Business owners could get some aid

Region must meet threshold for losses

8/6/2014

Area businesses affected by Toledo’s weekend water crisis may be eligible to draw low-interest loans from the federal government if the region’s economic losses were large enough.

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is working with the Ohio Development Services Agency to gather that information. Business owners are being asked to fill out a three-page form that outlines how they were affected.

That could open up Small Business Administration economic injury loans to firms without business loss insurance.

As of now, there are no estimates as to how much the two-day advisory against drinking or cooking with Toledo’s city water may have cost the region, said Colleen Kardasz, program manager of the chamber’s Small Business Development Center.

Restaurants were hit particularly hard, with most being forced to close all weekend long.

The decision on whether funds will be available is ultimately up to state and federal officials, Ms. Kardasz said.

Even if the region doesn’t meet the threshold, chamber officials say business owners trying to work through issues caused by the water situation — or any other problems — can consult with the chamber free of charge.

The chamber can be contacted at 419-243-8191.