Georgia Businesses and Residents Gain Access to SBA Disaster Relief Following Floods Georgia businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by recent flooding are eligible for disaster relief loans from the Small Business Administration. The SBA

SBA Announces Low-Interest Disaster Loans for georgia and Tennessee Flood Victims

Washington D.C. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the immediate availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for Businesses, Private Nonprofits, and Residents affected by the severe flooding that began August 12, 2025.The declaration follows a request submitted by Georgia Governor brian Kemp on august 25, 2025, recognizing the widespread devastation.

Which Areas Are Eligible for Disaster Assistance?

The SBA’s disaster declaration encompasses Catoosa, Walker, and Whitfield Counties in Georgia, along with Hamilton County in Tennessee. These areas are now eligible for both Physical Disaster Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). This expansive coverage is intended to help communities recover from the recent devastation.

Loan Options Available

Small businesses and qualifying private nonprofit organizations can apply for physical disaster loans, with borrowing limits reaching up to $2 million. These funds can be used to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, essential machinery, equipment, inventory, and other crucial business assets. Homeowners and renters are also eligible for assistance. Renters can borrow up to $100,000 to replace personal property, while homeowners can access up to $500,000 for primary residence repairs or replacement.

Furthermore, applicants may qualify for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage loan, specifically dedicated to mitigation efforts. These mitigation improvements include structural reinforcements for high wind resistance, upgrading garage doors to withstand strong winds, and installing safe rooms or storm shelters to protect peopel and property.

“A unique advantage of the SBA’s disaster loan program is the possibility to invest in upgrades that reduce future risk from storm damage,” explained Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator of the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. “We encourage all businesses and homeowners to collaborate with qualified contractors and mitigation experts to bolster their preparedness while leveraging the benefits of SBA mitigation loans.”

Economic injury Loans: Supporting Businesses Through Recovery

The SBA’s EIDL program offers vital support to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofit organizations facing financial losses directly related to the disaster. Unlike other assistance programs, EIDLs are available even if a business did not sustain physical damage. These loans can be used to cover working capital needs, including fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other essential expenses. However, its vital to note that agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers are generally ineligible, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

Loan Terms and Interest Rates

The SBA is offering competitive interest rates – as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for private nonprofits, and 3% for homeowners and renters – with loan terms extending up to 30 years. A notable benefit is the 12-month deferment of interest accrual and payment obligations from the initial loan disbursement date. Loan amounts and terms are persistent on a case-by-case basis, taking into account each applicant’s individual financial circumstances.

Applicant Type	Interest rate	Maximum Loan Amount (Physical Damage)	Maximum Loan Amount (Personal Property)
Small Business	4%	$2,000,000	N/A
Private Nonprofit	3.625%	$2,000,000	N/A
Homeowner	3%	$500,000	N/A
Renter	3%	N/A	$100,000

disaster Loan Outreach Centers Open to Assist Applicants

Starting Friday, August 29th, SBA customer service representatives will be available at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Catoosa County to provide assistance with the application process. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged and can be scheduled online at appointment.sba.gov.

DLOC Details:

location: Fort Oglethorpe Constitution Hall, 205 Forrest Rd, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

Hours:

• Friday, August 29: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Closed: Sunday, saturday, August 30, and Monday, September 1 (Labor Day)
• Permanently Closing: Saturday, september 13 at 2 p.m.

the SBA encourages disaster survivors to apply for loans even before settling claims with their insurance providers. If the extent of insurance coverage is unknown, the SBA can issue a loan for the total loss, with the understanding that insurance proceeds will be used to reduce or repay the loan.

How to Apply

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster.Alternatively, applicants can contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center at [phone] or email [email protected]. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments can access telecommunications relay services by dialing 7-1-1.

The deadline for submitting physical property damage applications is October 27, 2025. Economic injury applications must be received by May 26, 2026.

Preparing for Future Disasters: A Proactive Approach

While disaster loans provide critical assistance during recovery,proactive planning is essential. Regularly reviewing insurance coverage, creating a family emergency plan, and investing in mitigation measures can substantially reduce the impact of future disasters. Did You Know? FEMA offers a wealth of resources on disaster preparedness at fema.gov.

Small businesses should consider developing a Business Continuity Plan to outline strategies for maintaining operations during and after a disruptive event.Pro Tip: Back up critical data regularly to a secure, off-site location.

Frequently Asked Questions About SBA Disaster Loans

• Q: What is an SBA disaster loan?
  A: It’s a low-interest loan provided by the Small Business Administration to help businesses,homeowners,and renters recover from declared disasters.
• Q: Am I eligible for a disaster loan if my business didn’t suffer physical damage?
  A: yes, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available to cover working capital needs even without physical damage.
• Q: What can disaster loans be used for?
  A: They can cover repairs,replacements,inventory,equipment,payroll,and other essential expenses.
• Q: What are the interest rates on SBA disaster loans?
  A: Rates vary by applicant type, but start as low as 3% for homeowners and renters.
• Q: What is the deadline to apply for a disaster loan?
  A: The deadline for physical property damage applications is October 27, 2025, and May 26, 2026 for economic injury applications.
• Q: Can I apply for a disaster loan if I’m still waiting on my insurance claim?
  A: Yes, you can apply, and the loan amount may be adjusted once your insurance settlement is finalized.
• Q: Where can I find more facts about SBA disaster assistance?
  A: Visit sba.gov/disaster or call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at [phone].

What are your biggest concerns about disaster preparedness in your community? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What documentation is essential to demonstrate physical damage for a Physical Disaster Loan?

Georgia Businesses and Residents Gain Access to SBA Disaster Relief Following Floods

Recent flooding events in Georgia have triggered a disaster declaration, opening the door for vital financial assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA). This relief is designed to help Georgia businesses, private nonprofit organizations, and residents rebuild and recover. Understanding the eligibility requirements and request process is crucial for those affected.

Understanding SBA Disaster Loans

The SBA offers two primary types of disaster loans:

Physical disaster Loans: These loans are specifically for repairing or replacing damaged physical property – buildings, inventory, equipment, and other assets. Funds can be used for structural repairs, replacing lost inventory, and restoring operations.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): EIDLs provide working capital to help businesses and nonprofits overcome temporary loss of revenue following a disaster. This can cover operational expenses like payroll, rent, and utilities. These are crucial for maintaining stability while rebuilding.

Loan Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for SBA disaster assistance, applicants must meet specific criteria:

1. Physical Damage: Demonstrate physical damage to property as a direct result of the flooding. Documentation like repair estimates, insurance claims, and photos are essential.
2. Disaster Declaration: The affected area must have been officially declared a disaster by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This declaration unlocks SBA disaster loan programs for that specific region. You can check current disaster declarations on the FEMA website.
3. Occupancy/Presence: Applicants must have been operating or residing in the declared disaster area at the time of the flooding.
4. Creditworthiness: While the SBA aims to be accessible, applicants will still undergo a credit review to assess their ability to repay the loan.
5. No Other Resources: Applicants generally need to demonstrate they cannot obtain credit elsewhere.

Loan Terms and Benefits

SBA disaster loans offer favorable terms designed to ease the burden on borrowers:

* Interest Rates: Currently, interest rates are significantly lower than those offered by manny commercial lenders. Rates vary depending on