Disaster Relief Resources
During this challenging time, CommunityWorks is committed to supporting small business owners, homeowners, and individuals as they begin the process of recovery and rebuilding. Below, we’ve compiled a list of essential resources to help with disaster relief efforts. We encourage all affected individuals to reach out to these resources as soon as possible.
Key Steps for Recovery:
File Claims with Your Insurance: Carefully review your insurance policy. Pay close attention to coverage details to ensure that any services for recovery are included in your policy. Document all damages to support your claim.
Apply for Assistance: Explore the financial assistance available through the SBA, FEMA, and local resources to see where you qualify. Begin the application process early, as some programs may require documentation that can take time to gather, such as proof of damages, income, and property ownership. You are encouraged to apply for anything you may qualify for.
Keep Detailed Documentation: Always request invoices for disaster relief services or repairs to your home or business. Keep these documents organized, as they may be required for proof of services in the future.
Available Resources
CommunityWorks Hurricane Helene Disaster Loan
CommunityWorks now offers a loan for small business owners affected by Hurricane Helene. The Hurricane Helene Disaster Loan provides up to $50,000 for businesses in federally declared disaster areas impacted by the storm, with a reduced interest rate of 7% and a lowered origination fee of 1%.
Be prepared to upload the following documents:
- Legal picture ID
- 3 months of personal & business bank statements
- Personal Expense Worksheet
- Sources & Uses Form
- Personal Financial Statement
- 2 Most Recent Years of Personal and Business Federal Tax Returns with W2s
- Business Plan, or a Business Plan Canvas if a Business Plan is unavailable
- Year to Date Profit & Loss Statement
- 12-Month Business Cash Flow Projections
- Verification of Personal Income (paystub, annual benefits letter, etc)
- Resume
- Articles of Incorporation or Operating Agreement, if applicable
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans
The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to businesses, homeowners, and renters to repair or replace damaged property. The SBA disaster loan program is designed for your long-term recovery, to make you whole and get you back to your pre-disaster condition. Those impacted by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for assistance, with interest rates as low as:
- 4% for businesses,
- 3.25% for non-profits
- 2.813% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years.
How to Apply: Visit the SBA Disaster Loan Assistance Portal
To learn more, call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Working capital loans for small businesses and non-profits experiencing financial setbacks due to the disaster.
- Physical Damage Loans: Loans for businesses and non-profits to repair or replace real estate, machinery, equipment, and inventory.
- Home Disaster Loans: Loans for homeowners and renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including vehicles.
- Loan amounts:
- Homeowners can apply for up to $500,000 for primary residence repairs.
- Homeowners and renters can borrow up to $100,000 to replace personal property such as clothing, furniture, and appliances.
- Loan amounts:
Small Business Administration Business Recovery Centers
The Small Business Administration has opened two Business Recovery Centers at the Lexington County Library in Lexington and the Next Innovation Center in Greenville. These centers assist businesses and residents who were affected by Hurricane Helene.
SBA’s Customer Service Representatives are available at the Centers to answer questions, assist business owners in completing their disaster loan applications, accept documents, and provide updates on an application’s status. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in–person appointment in advance.
| Business Recovery Center (BRC) Lexington County Lexington County Library 5440 Augusta Road Lexington, SC 29072 Open: Saturday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed: Sunday |
Business Recovery Center (BRC) Greenville County Next Innovation Center 411 University Ridge Greenville, SC 29601 Open: Saturday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed: Sunday |
South Carolina Department of Insurance:
SC DOI Announces Insurance Claims Village in Greenville, SC to Assist Consumers
As recovery efforts continue after Hurricane Helene, the SC DOI is offering consumers assistance and remote claims services along with insurance carriers this week at the Home Depot located at 84 Woodruff Industrial Lane in Greenville, SC. Representatives from FEMA, State Farm, USAA, Allstate, South Carolina Farm Bureau, Auto-Owners, Geico, Travelers, Progressive, American Integrity, & Heritage Insurance Companies will be there to help consumers with claims & insurance-related questions. Visit www.doi.sc.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=428 for more.
South Carolina Department of Commerce (SCDOC)
Report Business Damage:
- Businesses can report damage sustained during Hurricane Helene by completing the Emergency Support Function (ESF-24) survey.
- Call the SCDOC ESF-24 Desk at 803-737-3952 or email esf24@emd.sc.gov for further assistance.
S.C. Emergency Business Resource Dashboard:
- Provides information on SC Disaster Loan Outreach Centers, road and bridge closures, port status updates, and more. Access it through the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website.
FEMA Resources
FEMA provides assistance to individuals for disaster-related needs, though it does not directly support small businesses. FEMA grants are intended to cover necessary expenses and serious needs not paid by insurance or other sources. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to apply.
- Disaster Assistance: Financial aid for temporary housing, home repairs, and essential disaster-related expenses.
How to apply: Visit FEMA Disaster Assistance or call 1-800-621-3362.
- National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
What it offers: Insurance coverage for property damage caused by flooding.
How to apply: Contact your insurance provider or visit the NFIP website.
- Individual Assistance (IA): Grants for medical, dental, and funeral expenses, as well as home repairs and temporary housing. Visit www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program for more information.
IRS Disaster Tax Relief
The IRS has announced tax relief for individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. Taxpayers now have until May 2025 to file federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.
Coworking Spaces
Visit GreenvilleSC.Gov/2410/Disaster-Assistance to view the updated list of coworking spaces.