While the Disaster Recovery Centers in Cumberland, Lincoln and Coventry are scheduled to close this week, Rhode Island residents and business owners can still apply for assistance through the Small Business Administration (SBA).
SBA is the largest source of federal funding during disasters. In the case of flooding that occurred in December 2023 and January 2024, over $4 million has been approved to aid in damages and recovery. SBA funds can be used to replace, repair physical losses (even automobiles), refinance, relocation, insurance deductibles and more.
SBA's deadline to file for physical damages is Monday, May 20. Business owners, homeowners, renters, and non-profit/private organizations may continue to submit applications through the two-week grace period time frame. After the two-week period, individuals and business owners will have to submit a justification as to why they missed the original 60+ day window to apply. The Processing and Disbursement Center will make a determination and notify applicant if justification was accepted.
The SBA urges those affected by December and January flooding to continue to apply.
Declared county and eligibility:
- Kent, Providence, and Washington – Homeowners, renters, businesses ANY SIZE, non-profit/private organizations may apply for physical damages
- Kent, Providence, Washington, Bristol and Newport – ONLY businesses can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Deadline is Dec. 23, 2024
Facts about SBA you should know:
- Approved applicants have up to 2 years to request money for mitigation (mitigation examples: sump pumps, raise structures, wind proof windows, safe room, etc).
- If referred by FEMA to SBA – in the RI declaration, applicant must submit the loan application to be eligible for additional grant considerations from FEMA.
SBA has approved $10 million for damages related to the Washington Bridge incident. Businesses have until September 16, 2024 to apply.
Visit lending.sba.gov to apply.
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