Small businesses and individuals in need of financial assistance can now meet in person with federal agencies.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) and FEMA have set up locations to assist people in storm-impacted counties in Georgia and South Carolina.
The centers have been set up to facilitate applications for federal monies available for small businesses and individuals.
One of the centers is available at The Hub for Community Innovation at 631 Chafee St. in Augusta. A news release from Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff said staff at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center can, “provide one-on-one help to Georgians affected by Hurricane Helene, including help applying for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, and more.”
There is also a Disaster Recovery Center available at the Nancy Carson Library at 135 Edgefield Road in North Augusta.
SBA loans for businesses fall into one of two categories, Business Physical Disaster Loans for businesses of any size, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations.
According to its website, SBA can loan up to $2 million to cover disaster losses not fully covered by insurance. It will cover the repair or replacement of assorted categories, including real property, equipment, and inventory. It will cover losses not fully covered by insurance.
SBA also has a program for homeowners and renters, called the Home Disaster Loans.
It can provide loans up to $500,000 for homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. There is also a category for homeowners and renters to receive up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property that was damaged or destroyed by the storm.
Loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property. The interest rate is as low as 2.823% with terms of up to 30 years.
Independent of the assistance offered by SBA, staff from FEMA can assist with applying for the Individual and Public Assistance programs. This is available under new guidelines adopted on March 22, 2024, for providing disaster assistance.
The FEMA website defines the guidelines as, “Flexible funding provided directly to survivors when they need it most. Expanded eligibility to help more people recover faster. Simplified application process to meet survivors’ individual needs.”
Funds are available to assist with property damage, temporary housing, and a category named “Emergency Needs” which covers things, including food, gasoline, clothing, essential utilities, and home access. The assistance is a grant of up to $750.00 that does not need to be repaid.
While some individuals have been approved for and received the emergency needs assistance, others are receiving notification their application was denied. In addition to filing new applications, FEMA staff at the assistance centers can review those applications to determine why it was denied and what additional information is needed to gain approval.
In addition to the federal assistance, the state of South Carolina is scheduling “Team South Carolina County Days” across the Palmetto State. It will bring together state and federal officials, along with nonprofit organizations, to provide a one-stop opportunity to learn about all relief resources available following Hurricane Helene.
Among the state agencies participating are the Departments of Agriculture, Insurance, Motor Vehicles, and Public Health.
The event for Aiken, Edgefield, and Saluda County residents and businesses will be Friday, Oct. 18, from 10:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the USC Aiken Convocation Center at 2049 Champion Way in Graniteville. Lt. Governor Pamela Evette (R) is expected to attend.
The Disaster Recovery Center at The Hub is open Monday-Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Disaster Recovery Center in North Augusta is available 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. through October 17.
There is also an SBA Business Recovery Center at the CSRA Regional Commission at 3626 Walton Way Ext. It is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and on Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.