SBA Supports Federal Flood Aid Applications

In the aftermath of the record-setting August 18 storm that brought devastating flooding to parts of Connecticut, there is new help for businesses cleaning up from the damage.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced that two Business Recovery Centers are now open in Monroe and Oxford. 

The centers are run by the U.S. Small Business Administration and provide in-person assistance to businesses seeking to apply for federal disaster aid for damages from the storm. 

The Biden Administration recently approved the state’s request for a major disaster declaration for Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties.

The approval allows businesses to apply for physical disaster loans to help repair or replace damaged property. 

That includes damage to real estate, inventories, supplies, and equipment. 

Recovery Centers

The two Business Recovery Centers are located at the Monroe Police Department on Fan Hill Road and Oxford Town Hall on Oxford Road.

SBA representatives are available to help business owners complete disaster loan applications. 

The recovery centers are open Monday through Saturday.

They can also accept documents and provide updates on a loan application’s status. 

“Any business that experienced losses from this extreme flooding are strongly encouraged to meet in person with an SBA representative who can guide them through the process on the loans and programs that are now available to them as a result of the major disaster declaration,” Lamont said. 

The centers are open Monday-to-Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. They are closed on Sundays.

Disaster Relief

The SBA encourages businesses to schedule an appointment online, but walk-ins are accepted. 

Businesses can also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800.659.2955 or send an email for more information.

Lamont said his administration is working with FEMA to open similar centers to help homeowners seeking relief. 

The state is also accepting applications for a $5 million micro-grant program to help small businesses rebuild.

Under that program, small businesses with fewer than 100 employees can apply for grants of up to $25,000. 

The Women’s Business Development Council is administering the grant program.