As tropical storm Florence makes its way through South Carolina, attention will soon turn to recovery.

The South Carolina office of the Small Business Administration (SBA) has provided information for both small businesses and individuals experiencing property loss due to Florence. That information is below.

The first step for everyone is to contact your insurance company to see if the damage, especially if it is due to flooding, is covered.

If your private insurance does not cover damage due to flooding, your next step would be to seek federal assistance.  This assistance will be available if President Trump issues a disaster declaration for South Carolina counties as he has done in North Carolina.

If there is a disaster declaration for South Carolina counties, individuals can apply for grants which do not have to be repaid.

However, only SBA low-interest disaster loans are available to small businesses.  These loans do have to be repaid.

Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, call 1‐800‐621‐FEMA (3362), or visit a Disaster Assistance Center in your area.

SBA: Recovery Steps to Take After Hurricane Florence

SOUTH CAROLINA – Hurricane Florence has the potential to bring catastrophic flooding and wind damage throughout the state of South Carolina. If your business, home, or organization is affected, follow these steps to start the recovery process.

SBA Response to Hurricane Florence

During a disaster declaration, SBA coordinates with FEMA, State and Local partners to make sure we can deliver affordable disaster loan assistance to those affected, quickly and efficiently. We have a disaster assistance staff of nearly 1,000 employees, and additional surge staff in support of Hurricane Florence will be enacted for recovery efforts.

“SBA is a valuable resource in disaster recovery, and our disaster team will be ready to help if your home or business suffers damage from Hurricane Florence,” said Gregg White, District Director for the SBA South Carolina District Office.

Where to start

Help is available from multiple federal agencies, all of who work closely together during times of crisis to ensure that those affected by the disaster get the help they need as quickly as possible.

If you have flood insurance, contact your insurance company.

If you do not have flood insurance and are seeking federal assistance, your first step is to contact FEMA, as their assistance comes in the form of grants, which do not need to be paid back. Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, call 1‐800‐621‐FEMA (3362), or visit a Disaster Assistance Center in your area. SBA disaster loans are an important part of the recovery process because they provide eligible homeowners, renters and businesses with access to the funds they need to rebuild, particularly when damages are not covered by insurance or other forms of assistance.

Homeowners and renters should apply as soon as possible after the disaster, even if you’re not sure you’ll need or want a loan. If SBA cannot approve your application, in most cases we will immediately refer you back to FEMA to be considered for additional assistance.

Individuals seeking assistance can apply online at sba.gov, in person, once SBA Disaster Recovery Centers open, and by mail. Call 1-800-659-2955 or email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Additional information is available at sba.gov/disaster.

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