An update on local businesses after Helene, winter weather
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - It’s been a hectic six months for the area’s local businesses.
Between Hurricane Helene, the Christmas shopping season and two winter events that caused a lot of businesses to close their doors.
As we near the end of January, we checked in to see how local businesses are looking ahead to the rest of the year.
Whether it’s at Sheila’s for coffee and baked goods or Art on Broad for your next unique find, local businesses are asking that you come see them.
Through a hurricane and snow, our local businesses are staying strong.
“After Helene, things were strange, but people were needing to get out and do something,” said Catherine Alexander with Art on Broad.
SBA offers relief to Ga., S.C. small businesses hit by Hurricane Helene
The U.S. Small Business istration announced on Thursday that small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Georgia and South Carolina are eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by Helene.
Amanda Hollar with Sheila’s Barista said: “I know we lost pretty much everything in like the freezers and the refrigerators and all that. So, it took a little time just to get frostings back and stuff like that.”
They say the unexpected weather slowed them down, but they’re hoping to pick back up where they left off.
“It slowed us down a little bit, but I feel confident that people are going to be out this weekend,” said Alexander.
After days of unexpectedly being closed, they try and catch up with customers when they get back.
“All the people who would have come during the weekend up coming on the weekend and having a big fun time with their family and be like we miss Sheila’s and we’re ready to back and get some more pastries,” said Hollar.
They say they owe it to the community.
Ga. storm survivors have 2 weeks to apply for FEMA assistance
Georgia survivors of Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene in the counties designated for individual assistance have just two weeks left to apply for FEMA assistance.
“We’ve had amazing from the community. We’ve had some people come in for framing this week and you know, I hope customers will think and come on down,” said Alexander.
Hollar said: “The community is so great. We have really great customers and that come regularly. Like I said, we know them by name, so we have a lot of fun and we enjoy what we do.”
They say if you’re willing to brave the cold, they would love to see you.
“Give local businesses an opportunity if they haven’t, and definitely downtown Augusta has got some wonderful businesses, not just us. There’s a walking map down here that will get you around to the different businesses but step out into your community and check out what’s there because. You may not even realize the treasures,” said Alexander.
Businesses say they hope there’s no more unexpected weather, but if there is, they know the community will help get them through it.
“If you want to just feel at home then you come to Sheila’s and you come to downtown North Augusta. We’re always happy to meet new people and make new friends,” said Hollar.
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