Disaster Assistance from the US Small Business Administration
Ashe County is part of the federally declared disaster from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene. There are many federal resources being made available to survivors. We are one of those options. We know this is going to be a difficult and costly recovery.
The US Small Business Administration is a source of significant financial disaster assistance for businesses, nonprofits and homeowners/renters who have suffered non compensated physical damage loss or (for businesses) economic loss.
Homeowners are eligible for SBA Disaster loans for up to $500,000 for physical damage to their residence and homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $100,000 for damaged personal property including vehicles. Businesses may receive up to $2-million for damaged business property and up to another $2-million if the business suffered an “economic injury” even if no damage to buildings occurred.
This assistance is in the form of low interest long term loans with easy repayment plans (with no payment and no interest for the first 12 months). Survivors can visit: www.sba.gov/disaster to start the process or call 1-800-659-2955 to have questions answered. Survivors can also visit any of the SBA’s Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) or FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to apply in person.
