SBA assistance is available to businesses within Jefferson, Hardin, Orange, Jasper, Newton and Chambers counties, according to Small Business Development Center director Dana Espinal.

RELATED: Less than 30 Entergy customers without power from Tuesday storm

“A lot of damage (seen) was wind-driven,” Espinal said.

Disaster loans for homeowners, which are worth up to $200,000, will help them repair or replace property that was damaged or destroyed.

Homeowners and renters also are eligible for loans worth up to $40,000 to repair or replace items such as a vehicle or furniture that was damaged or
destroyed.

Business disaster loans are available to businesses of any size, churches and other nonprofits that need to repair or replace real estate, equipment and other assets that may have been damaged or destroyed. Qualifying factors for a business disaster loan include a damaged roof, fence or metal building structure.

RELATED: Organization aims to help local businesses achieve financial health

“A lot of folks file with their insurance companies. So, what SBA will do is they’ll come in and be the bridge, if you will, to help you get some funding so you can back on your feet,” Espinal said. “Then when your insurance money comes in, then you can pay off that loan, and everything will be back to where it was prior to the storm.”

Economic injury disaster loans are for affected small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquacultural enterprises and nonprofits that need help paying for operational expenses. Qualifying factors for economic injury disaster loans include decreased sales, damage to a farm or livestock or tasks that weren’t completed due to a storm.

“If they can show losses from the date of the storm until today … then this EIDL loan is available to them,” she said. “You can apply for this, and it’s a relief to help you get back on your feet and get things moving again.”

In late January, heavy rain and high winds battered southern Jefferson County, and a tornado hit Orange County.

RELATED: New Port Arthur program aims to help businesswomen succeed

Because some people were left without power in the storm’s aftermath, Espinal said business or home owners may have had to fork up money for a generator and a loan can help offset some of those extra costs.

“SBA is really good about working with folks and making sure that their needs were being met. So, that’s what this is for,” Espinal said.

For more information, call the Small Business Development Center at 409-984-6531.

Interested parties can apply for or obtain more information the loans  online at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov or by calling 800-659-2955. The deadline to apply for a home loan is May 16. The deadline to apply for the business disaster and economic injury disaster loans is Dec. 18.