Mounting loses from hurricane Katrina are hard to fathom. Hundreds of thousands of people displaced - lives, homes, and families lost. People are beginning to cope with the realities of the uncertainties they face - where will they live, where will they work, how will their children be educated, when will their lives return to some sense of normality. I can only imagine the difficulties and hope I never face such adversity.

Being a small business owner can only add to the stress.

Offering some relief to the enormity of this tragedy, the SBA offers two kinds of loans for business owners in regions that have been declared federal disaster areas. Parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida have already received disaster declarations after Hurricane Katrina's devastating pass through those states. (Houston Chronicle) The loans are for physical loss and economic injury.

The Houston Chronicle details eligibility and application for this relief. Details can be found here.

My best hopes and prayers are with all who struggle to rebuild and survive.