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SBA urges Pulaski County residents, businesses to apply before disaster-loan deadline
Summary
A Small Business Administration representative told Pulaski County Fiscal Court that homeowners, renters and small businesses can apply for low-interest disaster loans ahead of a July deadline and that local recovery centers remain open to help applicants.
Jim, a public affairs representative with the U.S. Small Business Administration, told the Pulaski County Fiscal Court that the agency is encouraging homeowners, renters and small-business owners to apply for disaster loans and that staff are available at local recovery centers to help.
“The deadline to apply happens to be tomorrow, the 23rd,” Jim said, adding that the agency typically provides a 60‑day grace period and expects a continued local presence at the Business Recovery Center and the Disaster Recovery Center. He said there is no fee to apply and that applicants may decline an offered loan after they receive an approval.
Jim said the SBA offers both home disaster loans and physical-damage loans for businesses and highlighted the practical terms and supports available: “It’s very low interest. It’s 2.8% for homeowners, 4% for businesses,” he said, and added that once a loan is disbursed the borrower typically has a one‑year deferment before payments begin. He also described mitigation funding available through the program: applicants can request additional funds — up to 20% of damages — for projects that reduce future storm risk.
Court members were told the SBA has staff at two local sites: a Business Recovery Center (BRC), where business owners can meet privately with counselors, and the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), where the SBA is co-located with FEMA and other agencies. Jim provided application options and contact information: the agency’s portal at lending.sba.gov, the disastercustomerservice@sba.gov email address, and a national customer-service number.
Jim also gave a snapshot of local use: “In Pulaski County, 26 folks have applied. Eight of those are in progress,” he said, and noted that loans offered elsewhere in Kentucky included a mix of homeowner and business assistance.
Court members did not take an action on the SBA presentation; the report was informational and concluded with staff offering follow-up support to residents and business owners.
Pulaski officials and the SBA emphasized that applications can begin with minimal documentation and that residents should not delay if they are unsure about insurance settlements or other funds.
