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Abstract

This study examines the gap in perceptions of small business owners and government officials about the availability, usability, and effectiveness of public support and assistance after an earthquake. Specifically, the study explores perceptions about small business recovery held by officials in two federal agencies, the Small Business Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Administration, following the Northridge earthquake. The article concludes with an assessment of the federal response as well as suggestions for improved governmental operations as viewed by personnel in each of the two agencies. Results will hopefully shed some light on the public organizations' role in recovery and ways in which this effort can be improved. This study is part of a larger National Science Foundation study on the effects of the Northridge earthquake on small business survival.

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References

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Earthquake Recovery

Abstract

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