In response to the ongoing Red Tide event impacting Massachusetts shellfishermen, the Small Business Administration will be issuing low-interest loans to qualified individuals. Application workshops are currently being held throughout the Commonwealth. For further information please see the following information provided by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency’s (MEMA) or visit their website at www.mass.gov/mema.

Governor Mitt Romney recently lauded the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) decision to recognize the plight of Massachusetts shell-fishermen from the New Hampshire state line to Cape Cod and the Islands. The Red Tide Bloom, which began April 27, 2005, is responsible for the closing of a number of shell-fishing beds throughout the entire region, resulting in damages and losses to those in the commercial shell-fishing industry.

In response to Governor Romney’s certification of the economic impact, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a federal disaster declaration for the Massachusetts counties of Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Suffolk. The SBA is making low-interest economic injury disaster loans (EIDLs), which will provide working capital, available to the small businesses affected by this event. SBA representatives will be available at workshops, throughout the region, to issue loan applications and provide information about SBA’s loan program.

Loan applications may also be requested at an SBA Workshop or by calling 1-800-659-2955. Applications are also available at SBA’s website, www.sba.gov/disaster. The deadline for submitting applications is March 14, 2006.

See next page for a schedule of SBA workshops