The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the opening of a new Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Bulloch County, Georgia. This center aims to support small businesses and private nonprofit organizations that have experienced economic losses due to Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene.
Starting Friday, February 14, SBA customer service representatives will be available at the BRC to provide information about the SBA's disaster loan program, guide applicants through the process, and assist with application completion. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments can also be scheduled online.
The BRC is located at the Statesboro-Bulloch County Library on South Main Street in Statesboro, Georgia. It will operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., remaining closed on Sundays.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is accessible to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofits affected by these disasters. However, agricultural producers such as farmers or ranchers are not eligible unless they are small aquaculture enterprises.
These loans aim to cover working capital needs caused by the disaster and can be used for fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that would have been paid if not for the disaster. Loan amounts can reach up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs. The terms can extend up to 30 years with no interest accruing or payments due until one year after the first loan disbursement.
For more information or to apply online for disaster assistance, visit sba.gov/disaster or contact the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing may use telecommunications relay services by dialing 7-1-1.
Deadlines for returning economic injury applications are set for June 24, 2025, for Tropical Storm Debby and June 30, 2025, for Hurricane Helene.