The U.S. Small Business Administration is opening a field office in Gilmer today to help area residents affected by the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred on March 21.
Director Tanya Garfield announced the opening of five Disaster Loan Outreach Centers earlier this week.
“SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the centers to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their electronic loan application,” Garfield said.
The center will be located at the Upshur County Courthouse, 100 West Tyler St., Gilmer, in the Old Commissioner’s Meeting Room on the 3rd floor. The office will be open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office will operate until 5 p.m. May 26.
According to the release, businesses of all sizes and private non-profits may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. Additional funds may also be available through the SBA.
For small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations of any size, the SBA has Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.
SBA Disaster Loans are also available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate up to $200,000. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
For more information, contact the SBA’s customer service center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
The deadline to apply for property damage is July 5, 2022. The deadline to apply for economic injury is February 6, 2023.