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SBDC and Chamber outline business outreach; LiftFund grants and loans to aid flood-affected firms
Summary
ASU SBDC, the Chamber and partners reported outreach to dozens of businesses after the July 4 flood. SBA disaster loan deadlines were extended; a San Angelo-area LiftFund program will offer grants up to $10,000 and 0% interest loans up to $50,000 to help firms not eligible for COSADC support.
Representatives from the ASU Small Business Development Center and the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce told the Development Corporation board how local partners are assisting businesses damaged in the July 4 flood.
Elizabeth Dansler, speaking for Desiree Johnson and the SBDC, said the SBDC's advisors handled extensive outreach in the immediate aftermath: 34 incoming calls in the first week, 59 businesses assisted by outreach or the Disaster Recovery Center, and 32 existing SBDC clients supported. She reported that SBA physical disaster loan applications remain available through Sept. 28 and that Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are available through April 6, 2026.
Mike O'Looney of the San Angelo Chamber reported targeted site visits and that 47 industrial operations were surveyed; ten reported damage. He said the Chamber is coordinating meetings between affected companies, city staff and funders to identify how COSADC or alternative funds might assist recovery.
Staff and partners described a new local LiftFund-backed San Angelo area business relief program that will provide grants up to $10,000 and 0% interest loans up to $50,000. The program will be processed through LiftFund and modeled after an earlier Hill Country program; staff said about $250,000 has been seeded into the local business relief fund so far. Presenters urged businesses that do not meet COSADC NAICS eligibility codes to contact the area foundation and partner organizations for alternative assistance. The board heard that several firms that considered leaving decided to rebuild after outreach efforts.
Next steps: SBDC and the Chamber will continue outreach, coordinate referrals to LiftFund and area foundation resources, and schedule one-on-one meetings with affected companies to evaluate use of COSADC funds or other grant/loan tools.
