As we all know there is a terrible thing happening in the Gulf of Mexico as we speak.  More then 500,000 barrels of oil have been dumped into our ocean killing almost everything it touches.  From animal life, to plant life, and even human life.  What kind of affect does this have on the small businesses surrounding the Gulf of Mexico and this oil disaster?  I have seen a number of MSNBC episodes where they are talking about the increase in the price of sea food, the decrease in tourism which means less revenue for the local businesses, and the devastating affect it may have for home owners in the area. 

With many businesses, they rely on a huge seasonal jump for their yearly revenue.  This being a small shop that rents skies in the mountains or a restaurant that serves tourist on a sunny beach
in the summer time.  The Gulf of Mexico if you have never been there is a beautiful place.  The water is clear, the waves are big and beautiful and the attractions are to die for.  With the current oil issues, the local small businesses owners are having a very tough time.  The 4th of July is usually a great revenue generator for the local small businesses and according to MSNBC, this year was silent as the grave.  Tourist numbers are down, not a lot of people came out to the beaches for the holiday, and goods just aren't being sold. You can get information about factoring invoice, unsecured business loan, and small business loans

Not only does this affect the local small business in the Gulf area but hundreds of small businesses around the country.  I spoke to my local butcher down at my community grocery store and he said it is getting quite tough to get shrimp and muscles.  He said its tough because thats a huge seller for him.  What about the distributors that distribute all the sea food the gulf produces?  What about the truckers that distribute the sea food?  What about the fishermen that catch the sea food?  What about the businesses that rely on sea food as apart of their business model?  The chain reaction is huge and goes or miles.  

BP has come out and said that they are going to offer financial relief to these small businesses for the damage BP has caused.  This financial relief will not be in unsecured business loan but something along the lines of a grant or a gift to the small businesses.  I don't know about you but I will believe it when I see it.  You would think that these small business owners are relieved to have financial assistance from BP and they are however, most small business owners don't go into business for the money.  They go into business because they have a passion.  Without customers, the local small businesses in the Gulf area are struggling because they cant do what they love, which is to do business.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has programs designed to help small business owners in time of financial need to access business credit.  The SBA is aware of the situation in the Gulf and is doing all in their power to assist these small businesses where BP might fall short.  If you are looking for disaster financial assistance you can reach out to your local SBA office for SBA loans.

What is your opinion on what is happening in the Gulf?  Is BP to blame?  Is your business feeling any hardship from this issue?

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