In an effort to provide financial counseling and assistance to small and minority businesses affected by the Hurricane Katrinas, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Operation HOPE, Inc. have joined forces to launch Project Restore HOPE, Small Business.

Project Restore HOPE/Small Business offers small and minority businesses in disaster-affected communities access to free financial counseling, information on economic assistance programs, and budgeting advice through one-on-one telephone counseling. To access this resource, business owners should call our national call center at 1-888-388-HOPE (4673).

SBA and Operation HOPE will also work together to find volunteers from local financial institutions, credit unions, and insurance companies to participate in this initiative. Participating volunteers will provide free financial counseling, information on economic assistance programs, and budgeting advice to small business owners in the Gulf Coast area. The one-on-one counseling will be provided via telephone.