Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials are urging disaster relief applicants to complete and return the loan application forms from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Completing the loan application is a critical part of the disaster assistance process. It can keep the door open to all federal assistance, including possible additional grants, from FEMA.
Assistance from FEMA may not cover all damage or property loss. The SBA loan application, however, may make FEMA assistance available to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle, or pay storage costs. It is critical that the SBA loan application be completed and returned before further FEMA assistance may be considered.
Many West Virginians who register for disaster assistance through FEMA may receive an automated call from SBA with information on how to complete the loan application process. Completing and submitting the SBA loan application, even if you do not want a loan or think you may not qualify for one, is a required step in obtaining some forms of disaster assistance.
SBA provides low-interest loans to businesses of all sizes (including landlords) and to homeowners, renters and eligible private nonprofit organizations that sustained disaster damage or losses during the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that began on June 22. There is no cost to apply for a loan.
Storm-impacted homeowners, renters and businesses in the designated 12 West Virginia counties may be eligible for federal assistance: Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Roane, Summers and Webster Counties.
SBA has staff at all state and FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to assist businesses, homeowners and renters in completing their loan applications. Additionally, SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) are now up and running to help businesses get back on their feet from damage they sustained during the storms. The BRCs, in Greenbrier, Kanawha and Nicholas counties, are a resource where businesses can meet face-to-face with SBA representatives to learn how a low-interest disaster loan can help them recover. The local center is located at Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corp., 804 Industrial Park Road, Suite 5, Maxwelton. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
