Small Business Administration assists those with aftermath of Hurricane Helene

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) -The United States Small Business Administration is a government assistance program that helps to provide relief when disaster strikes.

Renters can receive funds up to $100,000 for items such as furniture, electronics and more.

Homeowners can receive up to $500,000 for property damages, home items and more.

Businesses and nonprofits can receive funding for property, machinery, inventory and more.

The SBA also offers the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program to those who may have financial obligations they were unable to meet because of Hurricane Helene.

For those in counties who have not been designated a federal disaster area, SBA is able to assist the surrounding counties including McDowell, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, Wyoming, Bland, Giles and Tazewell.

The Public Affairs Specialist for SBA says they may be able to also help with vehicle damage from September 25-28, but you must apply.

“We always encourage those who may have been affected, who are survivors, to apply simultaneously. So, you apply with FEMA, you try to obtain the grant money, which is obviously free then, the applications are both free for the SBA as well as FEMA,” said Timothy Watson, Public Affairs Specialist for SBA.

The relief center is set up at the Maple View Church of Christ in Bluefield, West Virginia.

The deadline for applications is February 7, 2025.

If you are interested you can stop by the center, visit sba.org/disaster or call 1-800-695-2955.

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