Connecticut Flood Recovery Centers for Small Businesses Now Open

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened two business recovery centers that are now providing in-person assistance to businesses applying for federal disaster aid for damages incurred caused by the severe flooding the western portion of the state experienced on August 18, 2024.

Located at the Monroe Police Department and Oxford Town Hall, these centers are staffed by SBA customer service representatives who can assist business owners in completing disaster loan applications and accept documents, and provide updates on an application’s status.

Both locations are open Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. They are closed on Sundays. Walk-ins are accepted, however SBA encourages applicants to schedule an appointment in advance by visiting appointment.sba.gov.

In addition to applying in person, business owners may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.govfor more information.

The Lamont administration said it is currently working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to open similar in-person centers that will provide assistance to homeowners seeking to apply for federal disaster aid. In the meantime, homeowners can begin the process of applying for assistance by visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA app. When an individual registers through FEMA’s website, they will be registering for any possible assistance offered by both FEMA and the SBA.

“Any business that experienced losses from this extreme flooding are strongly encouraged to meet in person with an SBA representative who can guide them through the process on the loans and programs that are now available to them as a result of the major disaster declaration we received last week,” Lamont said.

In August, Lamont announced a $5 million micro-grant state program to assist small businesses in the western portion of the state rebuild and recover from the record rainfall and flooding. This state-funded grant program is separate from any potential federal funding that businesses or homeowners may be eligible to receive. Under this program, state grants of up to $25,000 are available for small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Fairfield County, Litchfield County, and New Haven County that have fewer than 100 employees and experienced damage from the floods.

According to the state, up to almost 16 inches of rain fell in 6-8 hours in some locations. The peak rainfall exceeded 3 inches of water per hour, and 7 inches in three hours in a band from Monroe to Oxford. There was also major river flooding of the Housatonic, Little River, and Naugatuck rivers.

The flooding took the lives of two women Oxford. Lamont has said the state has received “huge requests” from private citizens due to their homes flooding, businesses being destroyed, and bridges and local roads being washed away.