So here’s a great piece of relief and information for folks suffering from the hurricane…you can apply for immediate loans and disaster relief directly through FEMA.
After every major event small businesses really suffer…and these programs are designed to help people ride things out….TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM…AND APPLY NOW…so you can get your businesses back on line quickly! People and businesses are going to get up and running quickly…and these kind of disaster loans are exactly the kind of IMMEDIATE assistance that breathes life into communities…and helps businesses get what they need!
Pinellas: Residents, businesses can apply for federal assistance for Irma damage
For Individuals and Familes: Federal assistance available through FEMA
For small businesses: Low-interest disaster loans through U.S. Small Business Administration
Pinellas County businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals who suffered damages as a result of Hurricane Irma can now apply for federal assistance. Pinellas is one of numerous counties eligible for federal funds following the issuance of a major disaster declaration Sunday by President Donald Trump. Both individuals and business owners should document any storm-related damage as they return to their homes and businesses, including photos, to include in their applications for assistance.
FEMA assistance for individuals Individuals can register online for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App. Applicants will need the following to apply: · Social Security Number; · Daytime telephone number; · Current mailing address and address and zip code of the damaged property; and · Private insurance information, if available. FEMA urges those interested to apply as soon as possible, as applications may trigger additional grant assistance. Another option for individuals, including those who use 711 relay or VRS, is to call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) while those who use TTY can call 1-800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice. Please note: FEMA encourages applicants to use the website first to apply as significant call volume may cause long wait times on the phone. SBA loans for businesses Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations.
The loans can be used for loss and damages not fully covered by insurance. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Businesses that suffered physical damage and need cash flow assistance while waiting for SBA assistance can also contact Pinellas County Economic Development about applying for Florida’s emergency bridge loan program. Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 13, businesses can contact the Pinellas County Small Business Development Center for information about bridge loans at: (727) 453-7200. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Nov. 9, 2017. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 11, 2018. A Disaster Recovery Center location will be set up in Pinellas County for applicants who need in-person assistance with either FEMA or SBA programs. More information will be announced. Pinellas County citizens are encouraged to get updates on Irma recovery efforts by visiting www.pinellascounty.org and following county social media accounts; search hashtag #PinellasIrma.
