SBA offers relief to Ga., S.C. small businesses hit by Hurricane Helene

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The U.S. Small Business istration (SBA) announced on Thursday that small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Georgia and South Carolina are eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by Hurricane Helene.

In Georgia, the disaster declaration covers the CSRA counties of Burke, Columbia, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington and Wilkes counties.

On the South Carolina side, the disaster declaration covers the counties of Aiken, Allendale, Barnwell, Edgefield and McCormick counties.

On Thursday, the SBA also announced they approved a disaster assistance request for South Carolinians affected by the severe weather in November.

Governor Henry McMaster requested the aid on January 17, allowing eligible South Carolina businesses and residents to apply for low-interest disaster loans.

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office expands K-9 program

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office announced the expansion of its K-9 program on Friday.

The declaration covers Orangeburg County and three CSRA counties: Aiken, Bamberg and Barnwell.

Officials said the SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Orangeburg County from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Feb. 3.

The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The center will close permanently at 2 p.m. on Feb. 15.

For more information and to apply online visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 6592955 or email [email protected] for information on SBA disaster assistance.

For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than Sept. 15, 2025.