The Small Business Administration offers advice to businesses hurt by flooding

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Small Business Administration, or SBA, held an information session for Perry and Muskingum County businesses affected by the August storms and flooding.

Around 50 business owners came to EagleSticks Golf Club in Zanesville on Friday morning to learn about how the SBA can help their business recover from recent natural disasters. The Ohio director of the SBA, Terry Bolden, laid out the goals of today’s event.

“We’re here to provide not only what we do at the SBA, but also, in partnership with the chambers, a first line of recovery. Now the SBA currently offers disaster recovery loans at a very reasonable cost and [interest rate]. And it’s a term loan that allows a small business to recover in an expedient way,” Bolden said.

You can expand an SBA physical property damage loan with mitigation assistance. That additional funding can be used to prepare for future events like installing sump pumps and strengthening structures against potential high winds. The federal declaration has not been made at the time of reporting, but Bolden outlines what the SBA will do if one is made.

“We then will work with all of the chambers and community partners in arranging and setting up a disaster center to further communicate with our small businesses and community residents here in Muskingum County,” Bolden said.

You can learn more about the SBA or its disaster recovery loans by visiting their website or by contacting your local chamber of commerce.