Business owners who need assistance applying for federal disaster aid to recover from damages caused by the August 18 storm and flooding can get help in person at two centers opened by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Governor Ned Lamont announced today that SBA Business Recovery Centers have been opened at the Monroe Police Department, located at 7 Fan Hill Road, and Oxford Town Hall, at 486 Oxford Road.

The centers are staffed by SBA representatives who can help business owners complete disaster loan applications, accept documents, and provide updates on an application’s status.

The governor said his administration is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to open similar centers for homeowners who need to apply for aid. Word will come soon, said Mr. Lamont, about locations and hours of operation.

In the meantime, homeowners can begin the process of applying for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling FEMA at (800) 621-3362. FEMA also has an app available on the App Store and Google Play. Using the FEMA website registers you for possible assistance from both FEMA and the SBA.

Business Recovery Center hours

For business owners, both recovery centers are open Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. On Saturdays they are open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. They are closed on Sundays.

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are accepted. Appointments can be made online at appointment.sba.gov. For more information, business owners can also call the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Federal assistance is available as a result of the major disaster declaration issued last week by President Joe Biden for Fairfield County, Litchfield County, and New Haven County.

According to FEMA, assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

The declaration also makes federal funds available to the state, on a cost sharing basis, for hazard mitigation measures.

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