October 8, 2024, 3:13 PM
NEW YORK (AP) — The Small Business Administration could run out of money to fund disaster loans in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation.
As is typical after a disaster, the government is offering aid to small businesses that were in Helene’s path. The SBA is offering disaster loans for small businesses in some counties in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
But President Joe Biden said in a letter to Congress Friday that aid could run out “ in a matter of weeks ” if more federal funding is not approved. And now another hurricane, Milton, is bearing down on Florida,
In a statement, the SBA said that it will continue sharing information about its disaster loan programs and assisting borrowers with initial processing and servicing loans. But if funding lapses, all new offers would be held back and delayed until program funding is replenished.
“We look forward to working with Congress to secure the federal resources necessary to ensure the SBA can continue funding affordable disaster loans for homeowners, renters, small businesses, and nonprofits,” said U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “Americans should not have to wait for critical assistance when they need it the most.”
As it stands, business owners can apply for two different types of disaster loans. Business physical disaster loans are for repairing or replacing disaster-damaged property, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible. Businesses have until the end of November to apply for these loans.
