FEMA, SBA Open Hurricane Recovery Help in Escambia County

Hurricane Isaias Recovery

FEMA’s Disaster Multi-Agency Resource Center has opened in Brownsville, and the SBA has opened a Business Recovery Center in Escambia County offering low-interest disaster loans.

Disaster Multi-Agency Resource Center

The Brownsville Community Center is now open as a Disaster Multi-Agency Resource Center, giving residents one place to access storm-related help after Hurricane Isaias. The DMARC will operate 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily starting Thursday, Nov. 5.

Who is on site: The DMARC is staffed by representatives from FEMA, the State Emergency Response Team, and the Small Business Administration. SBA staff can help small business owners with available resources.

• What’s different: This site will not include the additional agencies that were at Escambia County’s previous locations. Residents should plan accordingly.

To learn about FEMA Disaster Assistance, click here.

SBA Opens Business Recovery Center

Following a Presidential disaster declaration issued Oct. 27, the U.S. Small Business Administration has made low-interest disaster loans available to Florida businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by Hurricane Isaias, which struck Oct. 6–12.

“Through a presidential declaration, SBA provides financial assistance to help communities recover.” —Chris Stallings, SBA Office of Disaster Recovery

Eligible counties: Bay, Escambia, Holmes, Gulf, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, and Washington counties qualify for both physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs).

Small businesses and most private nonprofits in these adjacent counties may apply for EIDLs only: Calhoun, Franklin, Jackson, and Liberty in Florida, and Baldwin, Covington, Escambia, and Geneva in Alabama.

What You Can Borrow

• Businesses and nonprofits: up to $2 million to repair or replace real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory, and other business assets
• Homeowners: up to $500,000 to repair or replace a primary residence
• Homeowners and renters: up to $100,000 for personal property such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances
• Mitigation: a loan increase of up to 20% of verified physical damage for improvements such as wind-rated garage doors, structural strengthening, or a safe room

Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofits, including faith-based organizations, that suffered financial losses tied to the disaster. They cover working capital, such as fixed debts, payroll, and accounts payable, even if the business had no physical damage. SBA cannot provide disaster loans to farmers or ranchers, except aquaculture enterprises.

Rates and Terms

• 4% for businesses
• 3.625% for private nonprofits
• 3% for homeowners and renters
• Terms up to 30 years

Interest does not accrue, and no payments are due, until 12 months after the first loan disbursement. SBA sets eligibility, amounts, and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Where to Get Help in Escambia County

Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 3, SBA representatives are available to answer questions, explain the process, and help applicants complete their paperwork. Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments can be scheduled at appointment.sba.gov.

Deadlines

• Dec. 28: physical property damage applications due
• July 27, 2027: economic injury applications due

To apply or get more information: visit sba.gov/disaster, call SBA’s National Support Network Center at (866) SBA-HELP, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability can dial 7-1-1 for relay services.