News Summary
The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for individuals and businesses impacted by the recent flooding in Georgia. Affected residents in several counties can apply for financial assistance to help with rebuilding and recovery efforts. The SBA provides various loan options for homeowners, small businesses, and private nonprofits, including funding for personal property replacement and business physical damage. Interested parties are encouraged to apply promptly to secure necessary funds for recovery.
FORT OGLETHORPE, GEORGIA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for individuals and businesses affected by the flooding that occurred in Georgia on August 12, 2025. This assistance comes following a disaster declaration made by the SBA on August 25, 2025, at the request of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.
The announcement specifically impacts residents in Catoosa, Walker, and Whitfield counties in Georgia, as well as Hamilton County in Tennessee. Those directly affected by the disaster can now apply for financial assistance designed to help rebuild and recover from the damages incurred.
Loan Options and Eligibility
Eligible individuals include small businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners, and renters. Various loan options are available for these groups, allowing for financial relief and reconstruction.
Small businesses and private nonprofits can apply for business physical disaster loans with amounts reaching up to $2 million. These loans can be utilized for the repair or replacement of crucial assets that were damaged during the flooding, including real estate, machinery, equipment, and inventory.
For homeowners and renters, loans are offered for home and personal property, allowing up to $100,000 for the replacement or repair of essential personal items, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners can apply for loans of up to $500,000 specifically for rebuilding or repairing their primary residences.
Mitigation Measures
In a move to encourage safety improvements, applicants may also qualify for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage cost, once verified by the SBA. This extra funding can be allocated towards mitigation improvements such as enhancing structures to withstand future storm damage, upgrading doors, and constructing safe rooms or storm shelters.
Additional Funding for Economic Injuries
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is also available for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofit organizations that suffer financial losses directly tied to the disaster, even if no physical damage occurred. This funding can be used to cover working capital needs, including fixed debts, payroll, and other financial obligations.
Interest Rates and Repayment Terms
Interest rates for these loans are set at 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for private nonprofits, and 3% for homeowners and renters. Borrowers can take advantage of repayment terms of up to 30 years. Notably, interest does not accrue, and no payments will be required until 12 months after the initial loan disbursement. Loan amounts and terms will vary based on the financial condition of each applicant.
Disaster Loan Outreach Center and Application Process
Starting August 29, 2025, SBA customer service representatives will be present at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Catoosa County to assist individuals with application processes and inquiries. The DLOC will be situated at Constitution Hall, 205 Forrest Road, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742. Regular hours will be Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the center closing permanently on September 13, 2025, at 2 p.m.
Application Deadlines
Disaster survivors are strongly advised to apply for disaster loans without waiting for insurance settlements. Those uncertain about their insurance coverage should note that the SBA can still provide loans for total losses, pending the use of any future insurance proceeds to repay. The deadline for applications regarding physical property damage is set for October 27, 2025, while those seeking economic injury loans have until May 26, 2026, to submit their applications.
Applications can be made online at sba.gov/disaster, via the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or through email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Telecommunications relay services are available for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or face speech disabilities by dialing 7-1-1.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Dalton Citizen: SBA Offers Georgia Disaster Relief for Flooding Victims
- Wikipedia: Disaster Relief
- Local 3 News: SBA Offers Disaster Loans After August Flooding in GA & TN
- Google Search: SBA Disaster Loans 2025
- 11 Alive: SBA Disaster Loans for Small Businesses and Nonprofits
- Google Scholar: SBA Disaster Loans
- 13 WMAZ: GA Counties Eligible for Hurricane Helene Relief
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
