Seek assistance before time runs out.
SBA program is November 28th for the physical property damage for homeowners, businesses and renters, and nonprofits
In the aftermath of a disaster, misconceptions about disaster assistance can often prevent survivors from applying for help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). A good rule of thumb: just register.
FEMA provides disaster recovery assistance grants to eligible individuals, families, governments and private non-profit entities. Residents of Hillsborough County, along with 23 other counties in Florida, are eligible to request assistance but time is running out. The deadline to apply for its Public Assistance Grant Program is Oct. 29.
The application process begins by registering with FEMA at disasterassistance.gov, on the FEMA app or by calling (800) 621-3362. Once registered, apply at www.disasterloanassistance.sba.gov or in-person at any local disaster center. The nearest FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is located at 1702 U.S. Highway 17 South in Bartow. Its office hours are Mon. – Sun. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Representative from the U.S. Small Business Administration are on hand at this location to assist residents with disaster assistance loans.
“It’s always a good idea for people to register for these programs in person while we’re here on the ground in your area,” said SBA public affairs specialist Sharon Gadbois. “Even the most tech-savvy person has questions and when you’re applying in-person you can have those questions answered immediately.”
Applicants should bring their state-issued identification card and a mobile phone for the purpose of identity verification. After applying with FEMA, its customer service representatives might refer applicants to the SBA, the largest provider of disaster recovery funds, to see if its programs would be a match for applicants.
Its programs come in the form of low-interest loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters located in regions affected by declared disasters, like Hurricane Ian, to help repair or replace uninsured or underinsured disaster damaged property, from damaged fencing to debris removal to roofing repairs.
Eligible borrowers may also choose to receive expanded funding to make improvements to mitigate against damage in future disasters.
It also provides eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations with working capital to help overcome the economic injury of a declared disaster. For example, some restaurants experienced food spoilage when the electricity went out, had reduced revenue because vendors couldn’t deliver products or lost business because the credit card processing machines weren’t working.
“These are just a couple examples of economic injuries that businesses can experience,” said SBA public affairs specialist Stephen Clark.
In addition to the Bartow office, the SBA operates a SBA Business Recovery Center, located in the Chloe Coney Urban Enterprise Center at 1907 East Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa. Its office hours are Mon. – Sun. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
“With interest rates as low as 2.188%, it’s a better option that putting the needed repairs on a credit card,” said Gadbois. “Don’t wait to receive an insurance settlement, come see what’s available so you can preserve the ability to cover your damages.”
For more information about FEMA visit www.fema.gov. For more information about SBA loans visit sba.gov.
