Episode description

How can small businesses rebuild after a crisis like the recent LA fires? The Small Business Administration (SBA) plays a crucial role in recovery; offering financial assistance, business counseling, and disaster relief. Many independent contractors and home-based businesses don’t realize they qualify for SBA loans, but resources are available for a wide range of business types. Julie Clowes, Director of SBA’s Los Angeles District Office, joins us to discuss how the SBA provides critical support, especially in times of rebuilding after disaster. From financial assistance to business counseling, the SBA helps entrepreneurs access vital aid. Their local assistance tool on SBA.gov connects businesses with nearby advisors and recovery services. In response to the fires, the SBA is actively providing financial relief and guidance to help businesses, homeowners, and communities rebuild—while also emphasizing policy changes and mitigation efforts to strengthen future resilience.

You’ll learn: 

• How small businesses can access resources like district offices and business centers.

• What kind of assistance the SBA has to offer in response to the recent LA fires.

• Who is encouraged to apply for SBA loans and aid.

• Learn critical strategies for small businesses to prepare for and recover from future disasters.

• Where individuals can locate resources based on their zip code for small business assistance.

About the Guest:

Julie Clowes is the Director of SBA’s Los Angeles District Office where she oversees delivery of SBA’s programs and services within Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.  Prior to joining the LADO Julie held numerous positions within SBA including Acting Deputy Associate Administrator -Office of Entrepreneurial Development, Director of the San Francisco District Office, Deputy District Director of the Washington Metropolitan Area District Office, Chief Marketing & Outreach attorney in the Office of General Counsel and Public Affairs Specialist with the Michigan District Office. Julie also volunteers her time for colorectal cancer advocacy efforts and was a Board member of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

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More from Julie Clowes & U.S. Small Business Administration

Website: https://www.sba.gov/

LinkedIn: @julie-clowes & @us-small-business-administration

Facebook & X (Twitter): @sba.gov

Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: scummo@pasadena.edu

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Find the transcript of this episode here

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