SBA’s Deadline for Physical Damage Disaster Loan Applications in Georgia Is June 28

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration reminds homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations of the deadline to submit disaster loan applications for damages caused by the severe storms, tornadoes, high winds and flooding that occurred April 27-28. The deadline to file an SBA disaster loan application for physical damage is on June 28, 2011.

Anyone with insured losses should not wait for an insurance settlement before applying to the SBA. “If someone does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, the SBA will consider making a loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided they agree to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay their SBA loan,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA Field Operations Center East.

Low-interest disaster loans for physical damages are available in the following Georgia counties: Bartow, Catoosa, Cherokee, Coweta, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Greene, Habersham, Harris, Heard, Lamar, Lumpkin, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Newton, Pickens, Polk, Rabun, Spalding, Troup, Upson, Walker and White, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.

Interest rates are as low as 2.688 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for non-profit organizations and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. The SBA sets the loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

For additional assistance, call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., ET or send an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan application forms can be downloaded from the SBA website at www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Those affected by the disaster may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical damage is June 28, 2011. The deadline to return economic injury applications is January 30, 2012.

-----

Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG @FayetteFP

Georgia Residents Affected by Recent Tornadoes Urged to Return Completed SBA Applications

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration is urging Georgia survivors affected by the recent tornadoes to quickly return completed SBA low-interest disaster loan applications in order to be considered for all forms of assistance. Homeowners and renters who cannot afford a loan will be referred to FEMA for possible grant funds.

“There is a tendency for survivors to discard SBA disaster loan applications because they may not want a loan. However, they risk missing out on grants by not returning completed applications to SBA,” said Frank Skaggs, director, SBA Field Operations Center East, Atlanta.

The Presidential disaster declaration in Georgia as a result of the severe storms and tornadoes of April 27-28 automatically activated the SBA disaster loan program. Survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362). After registering with FEMA, many homeowners and renters will be referred to SBA to see if they may qualify for a low-interest disaster loan to replace or repair property destroyed or damaged by the tornadoes. If SBA determines they cannot afford a loan, in most instances, they will be referred back to FEMA for grant consideration.

Interest rates are as low as 2.688 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585 for people with speech or hearing disabilities. The locations of Disaster Recovery Centers and the loan application process can be obtained by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

SBA provides disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. Those affected by this disaster may fill out a loan application online by visiting SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

-----

Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG @FayetteFP

SBA Disaster Loans Available Following Secretary of Agriculture Disaster Declaration in Georgia

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration announces today (December 7) that federal economic injury disaster loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes located in the entire state of Georgia because of drought and excessive heat that began July 1, 2010.

“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities affected by the same disaster”

“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities affected by the same disaster,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East.

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. Agricultural producers, farmers and ranchers are not eligible to apply to SBA, but nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by drought conditions.

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with a 4 percent interest rate for small businesses, 3 percent for non-profit organizations and terms up to 30 years. The SBA determines eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. These loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Those affected by the disaster may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

Completed loan applications must be returned to SBA no later than July 26, 2011.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

SBA Economic Injury Application Deadline for Last Year’s Flood Disaster in Georgia is August 4

-(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes that Aug. 4 is the filing deadline for federal economic injury disaster loans available in Georgia. The SBA declared a disaster as a result of severe storms and flooding that began on Sept. 18, 2009.

“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities affected by the same disaster”

These loans are available in the following counties: Barrow, Bartow, Ben Hill, Bibb, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Cobb, Coweta, Crawford, Crisp, Dade, Dawson, Dodge, Dooly, Douglas, Fannin, Floyd, Forsyth, Fulton, Gilmer, Gordon, Greene, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Heard, Houston, Jackson, Jasper, Lumpkin, Macon, Monroe, Morgan, Murray, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Peach, Pickens, Polk, Pulaski, Putman, Rabun, Rockdale, Taylor, Telfair, Towns, Turner, Union, Upson, Walker, Walton, White, Whitfield, and Wilcox in Georgia.

“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities affected by the same disaster,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta.

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. Agricultural producers, farmers and ranchers are not eligible to apply to SBA.

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with a 4 percent interest rate for small businesses with terms up to 30 years. The SBA determines eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. These working capital loans may be used to pay monthly fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA’s website at www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. Those affected by the disaster may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

Completed loan applications must be returned to SBA no later than August 4, 2010.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Deadline in Georgia is June 24

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred from Sept. 18 through Oct. 8, 2009 in Georgia that June 24 is the filing deadline for Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following counties are eligible to apply: Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dade, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Fulton, Gordon, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Heard, Henry, Jackson, Jasper, Meriwether, Morgan, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Rockdale, Spalding, Stephens, Troup, Walker, Walton and Whitfield in Georgia; Cherokee, Cleburne, DeKalb and Randolph in Alabama; Oconee in South Carolina; and Hamilton County in Tennessee.

Loans are available up to $2 million for eligible entities that suffered substantial economic injury from the disaster. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. These loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

The interest rate on these loans is 4 percent with a maximum term of 30 years. The SBA determines the amount of economic injury and the terms of each loan based on the financial circumstances of the applicant. Eligibility for the program is based on the size and type of business, and its financial resources.

To obtain a loan application, businesses should contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech and hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business disaster loan applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Victims may visit the SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply for disaster loans.

The deadline for economic injury applications is June 24, 2010.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

SBA Honors Four Georgians For Outstanding Disaster Recovery Efforts

-(BUSINESS WIRE)--Last September record rainfall caused historic flooding in Atlanta. Before the rain stopped and floodwaters receded, George Lainhart, Mel Rolls, Zack Stephney and Patricia Vaughn demonstrated tireless effort, determination and creativity in assisting their fellow Metro Atlantans. For their altruistic and far-reaching commitment to the recovery of the Atlanta community, George Lainhart, Mel Rolls, Zack Stephney and Patricia Vaughn were presented the 2010 Perseverance Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery by SBA’s Field Operations Center East (FOCE) office.

“I visited almost every home to see the needs of each person. Many of these people lost everything in 2005 and they lost it again in 2009.”

George Lainhart - By use of his personal airboat, the only one authorized for search and rescue in Georgia, Mr. Lainhart was able to rescue 93 people (86 civilians and 7 emergency personnel) with his law enforcement reservist and volunteer search and rescue airboat pilot skills. This included a harrowing rescue at the height of the 35 mph raging waters on Anneewakee Creek.

Mel Rolls - When the Atlanta floods came in September, 2009, he was able to organize “the people who had nothing” to help “the people that lost everything” in the flood. Over a six-week period, he took teams of 30-35 men, four days a week, dawn to dark, to gut and repair homes in a poor area in Douglas County that was hit hard by the flood. He divided the men into two groups who would gut two to three homes a day for a grand total of over 50 homes.

Zack Stephney – With a rope tied around his waist and anchored by his co-workers, Zack began to swim the 400 foot distance to reach a woman who was clinging to the top of a 27 foot tree in the swirling waters after her car was swept off I-20 by the flood waters. Then held the rope as Doug Weghorn swam the last 20 feet to pull the woman from the tree and Zack pulled them back to safety. Zack performed this heroism despite remembering his father drowning while attempting a similar rescue 30 years ago.

Patricia Vaughn - Mayor Vaughn, members of the Public Works Department and Powder Springs Police raced to survey property and immediately began closing roads for the resident’s safety. “I visited almost every home to see the needs of each person. Many of these people lost everything in 2005 and they lost it again in 2009.” The mayor worked diligently to provide ways to help her constituents from organizing charity benefit concerts, coordinating recovery efforts and waiving city fees for repairs.

“The Perseverance Award is an acknowledgement of an individual’s heroic effort and recognition of the contributions they make to the recovery of their communities,” said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center in Atlanta. “Each of the recipients displayed tremendous courage and resourcefulness in the aftermath of the flood, which exemplifies the spirit one must have to rebuild after a disaster like this.”

The SBA FOCE Perseverance Awards were presented in conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week celebration, which takes place May 23-25 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C. Events can be viewed virtually through SBA’s free, live webcasting, which will be accessible at http://www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com/. Additional information on National Small Business Week, including a detailed schedule and registration information, is available online at www.NationalSmallBusinessWeek.com.

The SBA’s FOCE office gives Perseverance Awards to business owners, public officials and volunteers who displayed selflessness, ingenuity and tenacity in the aftermath of a disaster, while contributing to the rebuilding of their communities in the eastern half of the country.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

SBA Disaster Loans Available Following Secretary of Agriculture Disaster Declaration in Georgia

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration announces today that federal economic injury disaster loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes located in all Georgia counties except Catoosa, Columbia and Whitfield as a result of excessive rainfall that began on Sept. 18, 2009.

“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to assist eligible entities affected by the same disaster”

“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to assist eligible entities affected by the same disaster,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East.

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. Agricultural producers, farmers and ranchers are not eligible to apply to SBA.

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with a 4 percent interest rate and terms up to 30 years. The SBA determines eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Those affected by the disaster may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

Completed loan applications must be returned to SBA no later than November 2, 2010.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

SBA Disaster Loan Deadline in Georgia is March 22; There is Still Time to Apply

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration reminds small businesses affected by the excessive rains and flooding that began in March 2009 in Georgia of the March 22 deadline to file applications for loan assistance. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, with loan amounts up to $2 million with a 4 percent interest rate for businesses and 3 percent for non-profit organizations, is available to entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster.

“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities affected by the same disaster”

“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities affected by the same disaster,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East. Agricultural producers, farmers and ranchers are not eligible to apply to SBA.

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster.

The SBA determines eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources. Terms can be up to 30 years based on each applicant’s financial condition. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

These loans are available in the following counties: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bibb, Bleckley, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Butts, Calhoun, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Chattahoochee, Clay, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crawford, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooly, Dougherty, Early, Echols, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Glynn, Grady, Houston, Irwin, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Jones, Lamar, Lanier, Laurens, Lee, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, Macon, Marion, McIntosh, Meriwether, Miller, Mitchell, Monroe, Montgomery, Peach, Pierce, Pike, Pulaski, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Screven, Seminole, Spalding Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Tattnall, Taylor, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Upson, Ware, Wayne, Webster, Wheeler, Wilcox and Worth in Georgia.

Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Those affected by the disaster may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

Completed loan applications must be returned to SBA no later than March 22, 2010.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage

Feb. 1 is Deadline to Apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses affected by the March 25 through April 3 severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that Feb. 1, 2010 is the filing deadline for Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Small businesses, and most private non-profit organizations in the following counties are eligible to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Butler, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry and Houston in Alabama; Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa and Walton in Florida; and Early and Seminole in Georgia.

Loans are available up to $2 million for eligible entities that suffered substantial economic injury from the disaster. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. These loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

The interest rate on these loans is 4 percent, with a maximum term of 30 years. The SBA determines the amount of economic injury and the terms of each loan based on the financial circumstances of the borrower. Eligibility for the program is based on the size and type of business and its financial resources.

To obtain a loan application, interested business owners should contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business disaster loan applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Victims may visit the SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply for disaster loans.

The deadline for economic injury applications is Feb. 1, 2010.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage

January 23 is Deadline to Apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses affected by severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that occurred March 26 through April 13, 2009 that January 23 is the filing deadline for Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following counties are eligible to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Calhoun, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Clay, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dougherty, Early, Echols, Emanuel, Evans, Glynn, Grady, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Lanier, Laurens, Lee, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Pierce, Tattnall, Tift, Seminole, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Ware, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox and Worth in Georgia; contiguous counties of Henry and Houston in Alabama; and contiguous counties of Baker, Columbia, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison and Nassau in Florida.

Loans are available up to $2 million for eligible entities that suffered substantial economic injury from the disaster. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. These loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

The interest rate on these loans is 4 percent, with a maximum term of 30 years. The SBA determines the amount of economic injury and the terms of each loan based on the financial circumstances of the borrower. Eligibility for the program is based on the size and type of business, and its financial resources.

To obtain a loan application, interested business owners should contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business disaster loan applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Victims may visit the SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply for disaster loans.

The deadline for economic injury applications is January 23, 2010.
-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage

SBA Disaster Assistance Tops $50 Million in Georgia; Economic Injury Funds Still Available for Affected Businesses

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced December 4 that it approved over $50 million in federal low-interest disaster loans to Georgia homeowners, renters and businesses that sustained damages as a result of the severe storms and flooding that occurred from September 18 through October 8, 2009 in Georgia.

“Currently, 1,417 SBA disaster loans for homes and businesses have been approved in the amount of $50,333,900 for affected victims,” said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East. “We are pleased to be able to approve these loans so the residents and businesses of Georgia can start to rebuild and resume their normal lives.”

Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes in the following counties still have time to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dade, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Fulton, Gordon, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Heard, Henry, Jackson, Jasper, Meriwether, Morgan, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Rockdale, Spalding, Stephens, Troup, Walker, Walton and Whitfield in Georgia; Cherokee, Cleburne, DeKalb and Randolph in Alabama; Oconee in South Carolina; and Hamilton County in Tennessee.

EIDLs are designed to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage. The interest rate is 4 percent and the maximum loan term is 30 years. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Anyone affected by the disaster may obtain applications and program information by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (or 1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications may be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Applications may be returned to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76155.

Disaster victims may visit SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply for disaster loans.

The filing deadline for physical property damage expired November 23, 2009. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 24, 2010.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page

Nearly 20,000 SBA Loan Applications Yet to be Returned; November 23 is Deadline to Apply for Physical Damage

(BUSINESS WIRE)--With only a few days remaining before the November 23, application deadline for physical disaster loans, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announces that it has approved 1,085 disaster loans for $40,361,300 to Georgia homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations affected by the September 2009 severe storms and flooding.

“We want to thank all of our federal, state and local partners, as well as the volunteer organizations and individuals that helped the SBA to provide financial assistance to the victims,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East.

“However, there are nearly 20,000 people who have not returned their SBA loan applications. These individuals have until November 23 to return completed applications for physical damage to the SBA. Homeowners or renters who do not qualify for a disaster loan may be referred to FEMA for grant consideration.

Interest rates are as low as 2.750 percent for homeowners and renters and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. These loans are for uninsured or uncompensated losses up to SBA’s loan limits.

All Disaster Loan Outreach Centers and Business Recovery Centers in the disaster area will cease operations at the close of business Monday, November 23. Victims in the following counties in Georgia are eligible to apply for SBA’s physical disaster loans: Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker.

SBA Center locations and hours of operation are as follows:
Disaster Loan Outreach Centers
Cherokee County			Cobb County			DeKalb County
Cherokee County Parks & Recreation Gym			The Threadmill			Browns Mill Recreation Center
7545 Main Street, Building 200			5000 Austell/Powder Springs Rd, Suite 120			5101 Browns Mill Road
Woodstock, GA 30188			Austell, GA 30106			Lithonia, GA 30058
Open: Mon-Fri; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.			Open: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.			Open: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Douglas County			Fulton County			Gwinnett County
Old Douglas County Court House			Fulton County Government Center			Mountain Park Depot
6754 Broad Street			141 Pryor Street SW			5050 Five Forks Trickum Rd.
Douglasville, GA 30134			Atlanta, GA 30303			Lilburn, GA 30047
Open: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.			Open: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.			Open: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SBA Business Recovery Centers
Cobb County			Douglas County			Fulton County
Powder Springs Library			Douglas County Chamber of Commerce			Government Service Center
4181 Atlanta Street – Bldg. 1			6658 Church Street			7741 Roswell Road
Powder Springs, GA 30127			Douglasville, GA 30134			Atlanta, GA 30350
Open: Mon-Fri; 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.			Open: Mon-Fri; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.			Open: Mon-Fri; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Anyone unable to visit one of the Centers may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (or 1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications may be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Applications may be returned to any of the Centers or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas, 76155.

Georgia disaster victims may visit SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply for disaster loans.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 23, 2009. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 24, 2010.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage

Over $30 Million in SBA Disaster Loans Approved for Georgia Residents

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced yesterday that it has approved over $30 million in federal low-interest disaster loans to Georgia homeowners, renters and businesses who sustained damages as a result of the severe storms and flooding that occurred from September 18 through October 8, 2009 in Georgia.

“Currently, 843 SBA disaster loans for homes and businesses have been approved in the amount of $30,057,000 for affected victims,” said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East. “We are pleased to be able to approve these loans so the residents and businesses of Georgia can start to rebuild and resume their normal lives.”

“Assisting individuals and business owners to recover from a disaster is our primary mission,” Skaggs added. “We are encouraging anyone affected by this disaster to visit one of the Centers located throughout the disaster area to obtain individual assistance with completing their loan applications from our representatives. I ask anyone who has not completed their disaster loan application to do so and return the application as soon as possible.”

Homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations of all sizes in the following counties in Georgia are eligible to apply for both SBA’s Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker.

SBA offers EIDLs to help meet working capital needs of small businesses, and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes. Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following counties are eligible to apply only for Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Banks, Barrow, Butts, Clayton, Dade, Dawson, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Gordon, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Henry, Jackson, Jasper, Meriwether, Morgan, Pickens, Polk, Spalding, Troup, Walton and Whitfield in Georgia; Cherokee, Cleburne, DeKalb and Randolph in Alabama; Oconee in South Carolina; and Hamilton County in Tennessee. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace their damaged or destroyed primary residence. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to homeowners and businesses to help with the cost of making improvements that prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage in the future.

Interest rates are as low as 2.750 percent for homeowners and renters and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Anyone unable to visit one of the Centers may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (or 1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications may be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Applications may be returned to any of the Centers or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas, 76155.

Georgia disaster victims may visit SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply for disaster loans.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 23, 2009. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 24, 2010.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage

SBA’s Deadline for Physical Damage Disaster Loans for Private Non-Profit Organizations is November 25

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration reminds eligible Private Non-Profit Organizations (PNPs) of the November 25, deadline to submit disaster loan applications for damages caused by severe storms and flooding that began September 18.

PNPs located in Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Crawford, Dawson, DeKalb, Dooly, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Houston, Newton, Paulding, Peach, Rockdale, Stephens, Taylor and Walker counties in Georgia are eligible to apply to SBA. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges.

PNPs may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. The SBA also provides mitigation funds to disaster victims based on 20 percent of the verified physical damage. These funds are designed to help borrowers pay for protective measures to minimize damages of the same kind in the future.

The SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs, such as ongoing operating expenses for PNP organizations of all sizes. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available even if there was no physical property damage.

Interest rates are as low as 4 percent with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (for the hearing-impaired 1-800-877-8339) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Those affected by the disaster may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 25, 2009. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 28, 2010.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage

SBA Urges Return of Disaster Loan Applications; Physical Deadline June 22-Three Weeks Remain

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding those with damages from the March 26 through April 13, 2009, storms to return their completed applications as soon as possible. Waiting to file an SBA application could cause unnecessary delays in receiving disaster assistance. The deadline to file for physical damages is June 22, 2009. Victims are urged to complete and return their disaster loan application before the deadline.

More than $1 million in U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Loans have been approved for residents and business owners in Georgia. “Currently, 30 disaster home loans and 3 businesses have been approved in the amount of $1,246,300 for affected victims,” said Frank Skaggs, Director of Field Operations Center East.

The disaster declaration covers Baker, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Camden, Coffee, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Pierce, Tattnall, Tift, Ware, Wheeler and Worth counties in Georgia, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private, non-profit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Calhoun, Candler, Charlton, Clay, Clinch, Cook, Crisp, Dodge, Emanuel, Evans, Glynn, Grady, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Laurens, Lee, Liberty, Long, Seminole, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Wayne and Wilcox in Georgia; Henry and Houston in Alabama; and Baker, Columbia, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison and Nassau in Florida.

Many residents and businesses that registered with FEMA for assistance have received an SBA disaster loan application. Completing the loan application and returning it is a crucial step toward disaster recovery. Homeowners and renters unable to obtain a disaster loan from the SBA may be referred to FEMA for grant consideration. To be eligible for these grants, applicants must submit their SBA loan application even if they do not want a loan. No one is required to accept a loan. To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, please call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses of any size and most private non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory and other business assets.

The interest rates for these loans are as low as 2.187 percent for homeowners and renters and 4 percent for businesses with loan terms up to 30 years. Actual terms are set by the SBA, and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To obtain an SBA Disaster Loan application or program information, call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (or 1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT, or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications may also be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance and returned to one of the Centers or mailed to: U. S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas, 76155.

Additionally, victims may apply for disaster loans on SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The deadline for physical loan applications is June 22, 2009; the deadline for economic injury applications is January 23, 2010.

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page

Do Not Wait For Insurance Settlement; SBA Urges Return of Applications – Deadline to Apply June 22

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding victims in eligible Georgia counties they should not wait to settle with their insurance companies before applying for disaster loan assistance. The SBA encourages victims of the March 26, 2009 through April 13, 2009, storms to return their completed applications, even if they have not settled with their insurance company. Waiting to file an SBA application could cause unnecessary delays in receiving disaster assistance.

“Victims are urged to complete and return their SBA disaster loan application by the June 22 deadline,” said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA Field Operations Center East. “SBA is here to help you with your recovery efforts. I encourage anyone who has not completed their disaster loan application to do so and return it as quickly as possible,” Skaggs added.

If a victim does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, the SBA will consider making a loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay their SBA loan.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses of any size and most private non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, inventory, machinery and equipment and other business assets. The SBA also offers mitigation funds to disaster victims based on 20 percent of the verified physical damage. These funds are designed to help borrowers pay for protective measures to minimize damages of the same kind in the future.

For small businesses, and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loans assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Interest rates can be as low as 2.187 percent for homeowners and renters and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, victims must first call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

Victims unable to visit the Centers may obtain applications and program information by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT, or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Victims may visit SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply for disaster loans.

The deadline for physical loan applications is June 22, 2009; the deadline for economic injury applications is January 23, 2010.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Follow on Twitter

In an Effort to Help Small Businesses, SBA Encourages Lenders to Offer Loan Deferment Relief

In response to the financial crisis, the U.S. Small Business Administration yesterday announced it is strongly encouraging its participating 7(a) lenders and Certified Development companies to work with business borrowers to provide them with the flexibility they need to keep their businesses running during these difficult economic times.

As access to credit and capital has tightened, many businesses face increased challenges in meeting their financial obligations. This is especially true of small businesses hit hard by the recent economic slowdown that are now unable to make payroll, or purchase essential inventory.

SBA is reminding participating lenders they have the authority on a case-by-case basis to extend temporary payment relief for qualifying borrowers with 7(a) and 504 loans who are struggling to make their payments.

“The SBA is here to help small businesses during these difficult economic times. We are encouraging our lending partners to follow suit by extending three-month payment deferments on their SBA guaranteed loans to qualified borrowers who need relief,” said SBA Acting Administrator Sandy K. Baruah. “We recognize that small business owners are faced with challenging decisions right now. By providing three-month deferments to qualifying borrowers who are struggling, our lending partners can help small business owners free up the capital they need to maintain their businesses.”

If a deferment longer than three consecutive monthly payments is needed for a loan, borrowers can work directly with their lenders who in turn will work closely with the SBA to identify the best solution.

At the same time, the SBA is asking its lenders not to broadly call borrower loans due to changing financial variables, such as fluctuations in personal credit scores, declining collateral values, and reduced home equity, which are currently affected by the disruption in the financial markets. The SBA has issued a notice that will be distributed widely to its lenders and 120 field offices encouraging them to look at these cases individually and to work with individual borrowers in order to facilitate the longer term success of these small businesses.
---
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com

News to Use in Fayetteville, Atlanta, Savannah, Peachtree City and all of Georgia

Disaster Loan Outreach Centers Closing June 26

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Centers located in Carrollton, Georgia (Carroll County) and Wrightsville, Georgia (Johnson County) will close Thursday, June 26 at noon. The SBA urges homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations that are disaster victims to visit the Centers before they close to obtain one-on-one assistance and information about the disaster assistance program. The SBA also encourages those victims of the severe storms and flooding that occurred on May 11-12, 2008 who received physical disaster loan applications to return their completed applications by the deadline of July 22, 2008.

  The Centers are located at:

 SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs)

 Bibb County
 Bibb Fire Station # 12
 5565 Bloomfield Road
 Macon, GA 30126
 Open: Monday-Friday
 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

 Carroll County
 Industrial Training Building
 West Georgia Tech College
 166 Independence Drive
 Carrollton GA 30116
 Open: Monday-Wednesday
 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
 Thursday: 9:00 AM -12:00 PM
 Closes: Thu. June 26 at Noon

 Johnson County
 Johnson County School
 150 Trojan Way
 Wrightsville GA 31096
 Open: Monday-Wednesday
 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
 Thursday: 9:00AM-12:00 PM
 Closes: Thu. June 26 at

"We want to express our sincere gratitude to the staff of the Industrial Noon Training Building in Carrollton and the Johnson County School in Wrightsville," said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA Field Operations Center East. "By providing the facilities for our Disaster Loan Outreach Center, they have helped disaster victims in their community. We deeply appreciate their generosity."

Anyone unable to visit a Center who has registered with FEMA may obtain an application by calling the SBA's Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT or by emailing our customer service center at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be returned to one of the Centers or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX. 76155.

The deadline to return physical loan applications is July 22, 2008. The deadline for returning economic injury applications is February 23, 2009.

For more information about the SBA's Disaster Loan Programs, visit our website at www.sba.gov.

SBA Disaster Assistance Available to Private Non-Profit Organizations in Georgia

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Small Business Administration announces that certain Private Non-Profit Organizations (PNPs) that do not provide critical services of a governmental nature may be eligible to apply for low interest rate disaster loans. These loans are available as a result of President Bush's Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance resulting from damages caused by severe storms and flooding on May 11 - 12, 2008.

PNPs located in Bibb, Carroll, Crawford, Douglas, Emanuel, Glynn, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, McIntosh, Treutlen, Twiggs and Wilkinson counties in the State of Georgia are eligible to apply to SBA. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges.

"PNP organizations are urged to contact their county emergency managers to obtain information about local briefings. At the meeting, PNP representatives will provide information about their organization," said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA Field Operations Center East.

This information will be used to submit a "Request for Public Assistance" which FEMA uses to determine if the PNP provides an essential governmental service and meets the definition of a "critical facility." Based upon that conclusion, FEMA will either refer the PNP to SBA for disaster loan assistance or possibly provide a "Public Assistance" reimbursement grant for eligible costs.

Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA's Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (for the hearing-impaired 1-800-877-8339) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT), emailing our customer service center at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by writing to U.S. Small Business Administration, Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center, 130 South Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202-2463.

The deadline to apply for these loans is July 22, 2008.

For more information about the SBA's Disaster Loan Programs, visit our website at www.sba.gov.

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration

Disaster Recovery Center in Macon Transitions to a Disaster Loan Outreach Center; SBA's Deadline to Apply for Physical Damage Disaster Loans is July 2

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announces today that the Disaster Recovery Center in Macon will transition into a SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center beginning Friday, June 20 at the Bibb County Fire Station # 12, 5565 Bloomfield Road, Macon, Georgia. Homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations have one month remaining to submit disaster loan applications for physical damage. The deadline to file an application for physical damage is July 22, 2008.

Disaster victims who received damage from the severe storms and flooding that occurred on May 11 - 12, 2008 in Bibb, Carroll, Douglas, Emanuel, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, McIntosh and Twiggs counties in the State of Georgia are eligible to apply for SBA disaster loans for physical damage.

The establishment of the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers demonstrates SBA's commitment to ensure that every qualified individual and business receives the help they need to recover from this disaster. "Assisting individuals to recover from a disaster is our primary mission. We are encouraging anyone affected by this disaster to visit the Centers while we still have staff there and obtain individual assistance with completing their loan applications from our representatives," said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA Field Operations Center East.

  The Centers are located in the following communities:

 FEMA/SBA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs)

 Bibb County
 Bloomfield Middle School
 4375 Bloomfield Drive
 Macon GA 31206
 Open: Through Thursday
 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
 Closing: Thursday, June 19 at 6:00 PM

 SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs)

 Bibb County
 Bibb Fire Station # 12
 5565 Bloomfield Road
 Macon, GA 30126
 Opens: Friday, June 20
 Open: Monday-Friday
 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

 Carroll County
 Industrial Training Building
 West Georgia Tech College
 166 Independence Drive
 Carrollton GA 30116
 Open: Monday-Friday
 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

 Johnson County
 Johnson County School
 150 Trojan Way
 Wrightsville GA 31096
 Open: Monday-Friday
 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses of any size and private non-profit organizations may borrow up to $1.5 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage in the future.

The SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) for small businesses to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

Interest rates are as low as 2.687 percent for homeowners and renters and 4.000 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based upon each applicant's financial condition.

The SBA urges anyone who has not registered for assistance to call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), regardless of the status of any insurance claim. FEMA will refer you to the agency best able to meet your disaster-related needs.

Anyone unable to visit a Center who has registered with FEMA may obtain an application by calling the SBA's Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT or by emailing our customer service center at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA website at www.sba.gov . Completed applications should be returned to one of the Centers or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX. 76155.

The deadline to return applications for physical property damage is July 22, 2008. The deadline to return applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) is February 23, 2009.

For more information about the SBA's Disaster Loan Programs, visit our web site at www.sba.gov

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration