mr. chodos. >> thank you for the opportunity to testify. since sandy struck, s.b.a. has been on the ground across the region providing individuals and businesses with information, support, and access to disaster recovery loans. as communities rebuild, s.b.a. is there from day one and we'll stay deeply involved over the long term. that is why, in addition to our disaster response team, our office of entrepreneurial development and our partners play a key role in immediate disaster response and in helping the small businesses restart, rebuild, and thrive again. there are hundreds of thousands- o small businesses affected in the area. with 44 small business development centers, 14 women centers, our partners work together with s.b.a.'s center tow help staff of disaster recovery centers. and they set up informational events in communities across the area. in this early period we help our business owners map out the process, collect information, and apply for disaster loans. they also connect business owners with local, state, and federal resources. and they help small bu