Connecticut Small Business Flood Recovery Centers are now open

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened two business recovery centers that are now providing in-person assistance to businesses applying for federal disaster relief for damage sustained by severe flooding in the western part of Connecticut. the state. on August 18, 2024.

Located at the Monroe Police Department and Oxford City Hall, these centers are staffed by SBA customer service representatives who can help business owners complete disaster loan applications and accept documents and provide updates on to the status of a request.

Both locations are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM They are closed on Sundays. Walk-ins are accepted, however SBA encourages applicants to schedule an appointment in advance by visiting appointment.sba.gov.

In addition to applying in person, business owners can also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information.

The Lamont administration said it is currently working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to open similar in-person centers that will provide assistance to homeowners seeking federal disaster relief. In the meantime, homeowners can begin the assistance application process by visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or using the FEMA app. When a person registers through the FEMA website, they will be registering for any possible assistance provided by both FEMA and SBA.

“Any business that has suffered losses due to this extreme flooding is encouraged to meet in person with an SBA representative who can guide them through the process regarding the loans and programs that are now available to them as a result of the major disaster declaration that we have received- one last time. week,” Lamont said.

In August, Lamont announced a $5 million state microgrant program to help small businesses in the western part of the state rebuild and recover from record rainfall and flooding. This state-funded grant program is separate from any potential federal funding that businesses or homeowners may be eligible to receive. Under this program, state grants of up to $25,000 are available to small businesses and nonprofits in Fairfield County, Litchfield County and New Haven County that have fewer than 100 employees and have experienced flood damage.

According to the state, up to nearly 16 inches of rain fell in 6-8 hours in some locations. Peak rainfall exceeded 3 inches of water per hour and 7 inches in three hours in a strip from Monroe to Oxford. There was also major flooding of the Housatonic, Little River, and Naugatuck rivers.

The flood claimed the lives of two women in Oxford. Lamont said the state has received “tremendous requests” from private citizens due to flooding in their homes, destroyed businesses and washed out bridges and local roads.

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Commercial lines Flood Business Insurance Connecticut