The U.S. Small Business administration has added Brunswick County to the list of North Carolina counties which are now eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA, as a result of Hurricane Matthew.
 
“We are certainly pleased that this additional assistance is available to our small businesses," Mike Hargett, director of Economic Development and Planning in Brunswick County, said Monday. “We will be coordinating with Emergency Services officials to see how this corresponds with assistance from FEMA and other sources so that we can properly advise people.”
 
Pender County had already been listed as eligible for the disaster assistance programs.
 
“The state is prioritizing the economic recovery of so many businesses in the affected counties of the state,” explained Jenni Harris, who manages the southeast region of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. “Aside from the relief funds, there are other state resources and programs available. County managers and economic developers are good contact people for that, or regional industry managers.”
 
Business owners who have questions on how to access assistance should contact their respective county offices, or call the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing). Information is also available online at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
 
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Dec. 9. The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 10, 2017.