Businesses and individuals affected by severe storms, tornadoes and tornadoes on January 12 can now apply for low-cost disaster loans from the US Small Business Administration. The SBA has also opened a Business Recovery Center at the Spalding Senior Center to assist Georgians applying for SBA financial assistance.
The loans were given in response to a letter from Gov. Brian Kemp on January 16, to request an emergency notification by the SBA. Businesses and residents in designated areas can now apply for low-interest emergency loans from the SBA.
The disaster coverage includes Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Spalding and Troup counties in Georgia, which are eligible for Personal Injury and Physical Disaster Loans from the SBA . Additionally, small businesses and large non-profit organizations in Georgia’s surrounding counties are eligible to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans only: Clayton, Coweta, DeKalb, Fayette, Harris , Heard, Jones, Lamar, Monroe, Morgan, Pike, Putnam, Rockdale, Talbot, Upson and Walton.
Applicants can apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) through the SBA website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ and must apply under SBA declaration # 17761. To be considered for all types of emergency assistance, applicants must register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. If not available online or by phone, applicants should call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Those using 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362.
The Spalding County Business Recovery Center is located at the Spalding Senior Center, 885 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed on on Sunday.
The deadline to file property damage claims is March 17.
As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency works with local, state and federal agencies working with the private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect lives and property from man-made disasters and natural disasters. The GEMA/HS Ready Georgia website and preparedness program provide Georgians with the knowledge they need to prepare effectively for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/plan– prepare/prepare-georgia for information on developing a natural disaster emergency plan and Preparedness Kit.