Staples To Help Replenish Houston Small Businesses Affected By Harvey

HOUSTON, TX — Small businesses affected by Hurricane Harvey in the Houston area could get some needed relief in supply buildup from a rather generous donation from business supply megastore Staples. Houston's Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) announced Tuesday that it will receive a donation of 150 Recovery Packs from Staples for small businesses in Houston affected by Harvey, which was a powerful category 4 storm that demolished much of the Texas coast in late August.

The Recovery Packs are to include approximately 28 items, including folders, pens, paper, tape dispensers, and a small office printer, among other supplies.

"The Office of Business Opportunity would like to thank Staples for stepping up to the plate during this tremendous time of need," said OBO Director Carlecia D. Wright. "Our small businesses suffered tremendous losses and we are grateful to be able to provide them some supplies as they work to recover."

"Staples is committed to supporting our customers and communities especially in times of need," said Neil Ringel, president of North American Delivery for Staples. "We hope the business kits will play an important part in helping those small businesses impacted by the recent storm get back on their feet again."

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To be eligible to receive a Recovery Pack, the business must be located within the areas designated by FEMA as part of the Major Disaster Declaration declared on August 25, 2017. Businesses are asked to submit evidence of recovery such as receipts of purchases they have made to replace items lost due to Harvey, photos and/or proof of applications submitted to FEMA or the Small Business Administration (SBA) for disaster relief assistance. Only established businesses are eligible to receive the Recovery Packs. The geographic priority for award of Recovery Packs are businesses located inside the City of Houston, followed by Harris County.

The Office of Business Opportunity said it will promoting the growth and success of local small businesses and will work with partners such as local chambers of commerce to disperse the Recovery Packs to established businesses that were damaged by Hurricane Harvey.

The following organizations will be helping to distribute recovery kits to small business owners who was impacted from Hurricane Harvey:

• SCORE
• Houston Business Development, Inc.
• Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston
• East End Chamber of Commerce
• Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce
• Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce
• LiftFundAsian Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce
• People Fund
• Camaro Empresarios de Latinos

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Top Image: A Staples store is seen on May 11, 2016 in Miami, Florida. A federal judge blocked the proposed merger of Staples Inc. and Office Depot Inc. because of antitrust concerns.

Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Image