Gov. McMaster’s Disaster Assistance Request Approved by Small Business Administration
Relief Coming to South Carolina Businesses and Residents
Columbia, South Carolina- In a progressive move, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster assistance request on June 21 by Governor Henry McMaster, according to officials. This decision underscores the relevance of creating a supportive environment for businesses and residents impacted by severe weather in the state. Applied specifically for those affected by the weather conditions of June 10, it is expected to alleviate some of the struggles faced.
This approval green flags the eligibility of the impacted to apply for low-interest disaster loans which are aimed at providing a financial cushion during their recovery period. With these loans on offer, areas hit hardest – Berkeley County and the counties adjacent to it, namely, Charleston, Clarendon, Dorchester, Georgetown, Orangeburg, and Williamsburg, will be given priority for this aid.
Provision of Assistance through Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)
A Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) will be launched as part of the initiative to ensure proper dissemination of the aid. Scheduled to open in Berkeley County at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 1, the DLOC will provide necessary details and help individuals complete their applications. Furthermore, customer service representatives will be present at the center to answer any queries regarding the loan process.
Targeted towards small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) will also be offered by the SBA. These EIDLs are intended to meet the working capital needs induced by the disaster.
Applicants Can Avail Assistance Online and Via Toll-free Service
For the ease of applicants, the SBA has extended its support by providing the opportunity to apply online. It has also opened up its customer service, reachable at (800) 659-2955 or through the email disastercustomerservice@ sba.gov, to address queries and provide detailed information on disaster assistance.
Those persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 7-1-1 to access the telecommunications relay services available.
High Importance Assigned to Timely Applications
Keeping in mind the deadlines is crucial in this case. The last date for the submission of applications concerning physical property damage is August 23, 2024, and the deadline to return applications for economic injury is March 24, 2025.
Big Step Towards Disaster Relief
This decision and the measures being taken by the SBA are indeed a significant leap towards providing relief to those impacted by the severe weather. Providing both financial aid and easier ways to access it, the initiative is expected to expedite the recovery process for South Carolina’s businesses and its residents.
