Community Support for Hurricane Recovery
In response to Hurricane Helene’s devastation, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced low-interest disaster loans for small businesses and nonprofits in Georgia and South Carolina. Affected regions can apply for loans, which can be as high as $2 million for businesses and $500,000 for homes. The application process is straightforward, with a deadline of September 15, 2025. A Disaster Loan Outreach Center will also open in Orangeburg County for personal assistance. Additional resources, including FEMA assistance, are available for disaster survivors.
Good news for the folks in Georgia and South Carolina! The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has just rolled out an exciting opportunity for small businesses and private nonprofit organizations that have been feeling the impact of Hurricane Helene. If you’re one of those affected, it’s time to perk up because you can now apply for low-interest disaster loans to help you bounce back!
The disaster relief program particularly targets those in certain counties across Georgia and South Carolina. In Georgia, this includes counties from the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) like Burke, Columbia, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington, and Wilkes. Meanwhile, in South Carolina, residents of Aiken, Allendale, Barnwell, Edgefield, and McCormick are also covered under this relief initiative.
If you’re hurting after the storm, the SBA is offering a lifeline: disaster loans of up to $500,000 for homeowners and renters and up to $2 million for businesses. It’s a real game-changer for those trying to recover from the financial blows dealt by Hurricane Helene!
The application process is straightforward. Applications are open right now and must be submitted by September 15, 2025. Remember, that’s not too far away! For those who prefer face-to-face assistance, a Disaster Loan Outreach Center will be popping up in Orangeburg County starting February 3, and will remain open until February 15. This center will be ready to help from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
If you’re curious about the ins and outs or need guidance on how to get started, don’t hesitate to visit SBA.gov/disaster or give the SBA’s Customer Service Center a ring at (800) 659-2955. They even provide support for individuals with disabilities, so nobody gets left behind!
The SBA is also stepping up the game with a Portable Loan Outreach Center set to assist disaster survivors in Valdosta. Plus, they’re teaming up with local organizations—like the Downtown Development Authority of Augusta and the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce—to deliver even more resources via virtual workshops!
But wait, there’s more! If you’re among those facing losses, you can also apply for FEMA assistance. Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 to get started. Remember, the SBA is here to provide for not just physical injuries but also economic injuries in the long-term recovery for affected regions.
It’s important to note that this latest approval of financial assistance follows a major disaster declaration by President Joe Biden, paving the way for federal funding specifically targeting individuals and businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.
So if you’re in these affected counties, don’t wait! Check out what resources are available and apply for assistance. With support on the way, brighter days are just around the corner for our fellow Georgians and South Carolinians!
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