The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened a Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Telfair County, Georgia, to assist small businesses and private nonprofit organizations affected by Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene. The center aims to support those who have experienced economic losses due to these disasters.
Starting February 27, SBA customer service representatives will be available at the BRC to provide information about the SBA’s disaster loan program, guide applicants through the application process, and help them complete their applications. While walk-ins are welcome, appointments can also be scheduled in advance at appointment.sba.gov.
The BRC is located at the Telfair Community Service Center on 91 Telfair Ave #D in McRae-Helena, GA. It operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but is closed on weekends.
"SBA’s Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster," stated Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "Business owners can visit these centers to meet face-to-face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery."
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofits that suffered financial losses due to these storms. However, it does not extend loans to agricultural producers such as farmers or ranchers unless they are small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs can cover working capital needs caused by the disaster even if there was no physical damage. They may be used for fixed debts, payrolls, accounts payable, and other bills unpaid due to the disaster. Loans can reach up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs over terms of up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue nor are payments required until 12 months after the first disbursement.
For more information or assistance with applications, individuals can visit sba.gov/disaster or contact SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or via email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Telecommunications relay services are available by dialing 7-1-1 for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The deadlines for returning economic injury applications are June 24, 2025, for Tropical Storm Debby and June 30, 2025, for Hurricane Helene.