ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is closing its Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) in Kentucky on Monday, Sept. 5, in recognition of the Labor Day holiday. The Centers will re-open Tuesday, Sept. 6, and resume their normal operating hours. SBA established the Centers for businesses and nonprofit organizations in any of the declared Kentucky counties to apply for low-interest disaster loans for damages caused by the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that began on July 26.

“As we approach this holiday weekend, let us also take this time to remember that there are still many disaster survivors in the midst of recovery related to their homes and businesses. The SBA and our federal partners remain steadfast in our mission to assist the people of eastern Kentucky as they continue to make their way down this path,” said Francisco Sanchez, Jr., SBA Associate Administrator for Disaster Assistance. “September also marks the beginning of National Preparedness Month. This is the time to remind everyone of the need to develop plans for resilience to reduce the potential impact of any disaster we may face and prevent future loss of life and property damage.”

To date, SBA has approved 393 home and business loans for over $31.4 million in Eastern Kentucky. For those applying or who have applied, the SBA offers funds to include mitigation in your repair plan. The loan may be increased by up to 20 percent of the SBA verified losses for mitigation. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to save your property from future flood damage,” Sanchez said.

By visiting a Business Recovery Center, business owners and residents can meet one-on-one with SBA representatives to get answers to questions and help with submitting loan applications. The SBA’s Business Recovery Centers are open as indicated below until further notice:

SBA Business Recovery Center – Clay County
Eastern Kentucky University – Manchester
50 University Drive
Manchester, KY 40962
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Closed: Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5

SBA Business Recovery Center – Knott County
Hindman City Hall
10 Professor Clarke Circle
Hindman, KY 41822
Hours: Daily, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed: Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5

SBA Business Recovery Center – Letcher County
Appalachian Groundswell
229 East Main Street
Whitesburg, KY 41858
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Closed: Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5

SBA Business Recovery Center – Perry County
Hazard Community and Technical College
Jolly Classroom Center
1 Community College Drive Hazard, KY 41701
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Closed: Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5

SBA Business Recovery Center – Pike County
Elkhorn Public Library
150 East Main Street
Elkhorn, KY 41522
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Closed for Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5

SBA Business Recovery Center – Pike County
Vesta Roberts Johnson Memorial Library
180 Highway 610 West
Virgie, KY 41572
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Closed for Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/, and should apply under SBA declaration # 17546.

Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at 800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services), or by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The physical loan application deadline expired on Sept. 28, 2022. The deadline to return economic injury applications is May 1, 2023.