SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler Visits Pasadena, Highlights Disaster Recovery Efforts

Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, visited Pasadena on Tuesday to meet with local stakeholders and promote ongoing federal recovery programs aimed at helping businesses and homeowners rebuild following recent disasters.

Loeffler began her visit at the Altadena SBA office on Woodbury Drive, where she met with small business owners and community advocates. She then toured the SBA Disaster Assistance Center at the Pasadena City College Community Education Center, emphasizing the critical role of federal partnerships in recovery efforts.

Loeffler also noted that the SBA has now processed more than $2 billion in disaster assistance loans after the LA fires.

“What we’re emphasizing are several practical things and then some holistic things,” Loeffler said during her visit. “Practically, for disaster loans, those applications are due by March 31. The economic injury loans go through October.”

She encouraged individuals and businesses affected by recent storms and other qualifying events to visit disaster recovery centers and explore available SBA loan options.

Loeffler highlighted the collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies as central to the speed and effectiveness of the recovery efforts. She also noted the involvement of entities such as the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and FEMA, calling it  “teamwork across this community.”

“This response has come together quickly,” she said. “We’ve been proud to work across the federal government to bring resources to bear.”

In conversations with local business owners and homeowners, Loeffler said she heard firsthand accounts of the role SBA loans have played in recovery.

“Without SBA loans, this resilience would not be possible,” she said. “There would be no other way to get loans for their businesses to be restored, their homes to be rebuilt. It’s helping them ensure that their livelihoods can come back along with their homes and businesses.”

Loeffler praised the cooperative spirit she observed during the visit, saying that local chambers of commerce, city leaders, and community organizations have all contributed to building resilience in the region.

The visit comes as part of the current administration’s broader efforts to highlight support for communities facing economic and environmental challenges. Federal officials are urging those in need to act soon, as some SBA disaster relief deadlines are approaching.