Businesses Encouraged to Utilize Resources for Irma Recovery
Sep 12, 2017 07:31AM ● By Kevin
Hurricane Irma's current location as of Sept. 12, 7 a.m. Image courtesy of Google Crisis.
The Small Business Association offers resources for businesses recovering from natural disasters. In light of Hurricane Irma hitting Southwest Florida this past weekend, we are providing these resources for local businesses in the area.
All information below is courtesy of articles and resources appearing on and provided by SBA.gov:
All information below is courtesy of articles and resources appearing on and provided by SBA.gov:
Get financial assistance after a disaster
When a disaster hits your small business, first contact FEMA to apply for financial assistance. They can provide money for housing along with other personal expenses including food, clothing and medicine.
The SBA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture provide low-interest loans for damaged and destroyed assets in a declared disaster. These include repair and replacement costs for real estate, personal property, machinery, equipment, inventory, and business assets.
Disaster assistance loans
The SBA has outlined many 2017 Hurricane Recovery efforts via loans and grants. Click here to learn more, or check below to see if one of these loans apply.
- Home and Property Disaster loans
- Economic Injury loans
- Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster loans
- Farm Emergency Loans
Other sources of disaster aid
- Disaster unemployment assistance helps individual employees while they’re unemployed due to a disaster
- Flood recovery assistance can help workers displaced by flooding.
- Businesses in federally declared disaster areas could qualify for special tax provisions for financial recovery.
- The Farm Service Agency also provides a disaster assistance guide for farmers and ranchers after natural disasters.
Disaster cleanup
- There are a wide range of hazards range from downed power lines and contaminated waters to hidden molds and toxins. Be aware and cautious to prevent illness.
- The Center for Disease Control (CDC) serves as an important resource through its Health Studies Branch.
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published cleanup tips specifically for hazards during natural disaster recoveries.
- If you encounter hazardous material spills or discharges, call the National Response Center.
- Contact the National Pesticide Center if applicable.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlines reporting for spills and environmental violations.
Florida Division of Emergency Management
2555 Shumard Oak Blvd.
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100
(850) 413-9969
(850) 488-1016 FAX
For more information and resources, contact SBA's Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or [email protected].
You can also receive local business counseling to determine the best way to prepare for emergencies and the next step when disaster strikes.
SBA Disaster Assistance Program
