Navigating Recovery: SBA Disaster Resources & Small Business Growth
Join us for an essential informational session designed to support our local business community following the natural disasters of this past December. With the Small Business Administration (SBA) already distributing over $1 million in disaster assistance to Skagit County, this event provides direct access to the tools you need to stabilize and strengthen your operations.
What You Will Learn
- SBA Disaster Recovery & Resilience: Discover how to access millions of dollars in federal disaster loan resources now available to Skagit County businesses. Learn how these funds can be used to cover physical repairs or economic injury, such as maintaining payroll and normal operations.
- The Power of Small Business: Understand the critical role small businesses play in our local economy, representing over 90% of American businesses and providing the majority of jobs.
- SBDC Growth & Support: Meet the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network. Learn how to connect with a Certified Business Advisor who can help you start, grow, or transition your business through expert, community-based coaching.
Featured Speakers
Juan F. Lezama, MBA
Public Affairs Specialist, SBA Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience
Juan is a marketing communications professional with 20 years of experience. He has worked with chambers of commerce following natural disasters to inform small businesses about the federal resources the SBA offers to small businesses and communities on the west coast. In addition to having worked in Skagit County, Juan has recently worked with communities that experienced disasters in California and Texas. Juan also serves as a bilingual media/public spokesperson for the SBA ODR&R.
Juan is an advocate for small businesses and has previously represented the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles County, California developing a program to strengthen the digital presence of small business members. In 2021 during the pandemic, Juan represented the City of Los Angeles promoting a program to strengthen the digital presence of small businesses during the pandemic, helping many small businesses keep their doors open. Juan has a B.A. from the University of California Santa Barbara in Communications and Spanish and an MBA in Marketing from the University of California Davis.
Juan F. Lezama, MBA
Public Affairs Specialist, SBA Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience
Juan is a marketing communications professional with 20 years of experience. He has worked with chambers of commerce following natural disasters to inform small businesses about the federal resources the SBA offers to small businesses and communities on the west coast. In addition to having worked in Skagit County, Juan has recently worked with communities that experienced disasters in California and Texas. Juan also serves as a bilingual media/public spokesperson for the SBA ODR&R.
Juan is an advocate for small businesses and has previously represented the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles County, California developing a program to strengthen the digital presence of small business members. In 2021 during the pandemic, Juan represented the City of Los Angeles promoting a program to strengthen the digital presence of small businesses during the pandemic, helping many small businesses keep their doors open. Juan has a B.A. from the University of California Santa Barbara in Communications and Spanish and an MBA in Marketing from the University of California Davis.
Steve McCaslin
Certified Business Advisor, Washington SBDC
Steve McCaslin is a Certified Business Advisor with the Washington SBDC, based in Coupeville, Washington. A retired Naval Flight Officer, he flew in both the A-6 and F/A-18 during his military career.
Since leaving the Navy, Steve has spent more than 27 years working in sales, strategy, and business development, along with business consulting, corporate training, and leadership development. He has worked directly with business owners and leaders to help them grow, solve problems, and make better decisions.
In 2013, he launched his own business and leadership development consulting firm, where he continues to train, coach, and advise organizations across a range of industries. Steve holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Georgia.
He works with small business owners and leaders to improve operations, increase profitability, and drive measurable results.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the financial and strategic support necessary to help your business thrive in the wake of recent challenges.
Disaster Resources & Small Business G...
Date and Time
Thursday May 21, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM PDT
Register for Zoom link
Location
Online
Fees/Admission
Free
Contact Information
Emily Johnson
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