North Carolina Welcomes New Disaster Recovery Centers
On October 4, 2024, the city of Charlotte became the host to a beacon of hope for local residents and businesses affected by recent disasters. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) and two Business Recovery Centers (BRC). These centers are designed to assist those who have temporarily moved away from danger and are now seeking a way to get back on their feet.
Supporting Our Community
Speaking about the significance of these centers, Francisco Sánchez, Jr., the associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA, shared that the DLOC represents one of the most powerful resources available to the agency. He stated, “The DLOC is one of the most powerful resources at SBA’s disposal to meet survivors where they are and support their recovery efforts.” This truly emphasizes how dedicated the SBA is to helping individuals and businesses who have faced adversity.
Connecting with Specialists
The newly established centers provide a crucial opportunity for residents and business owners to meet face-to-face with specialists. These professionals can guide them in applying for low-cost financial assistance through SBA disaster loans and other programs aimed at easing the recovery process. It’s a chance to cut through the red tape and have direct conversations about the support available to them.
Where to Find Help
As for the location of these centers, you can find the DLOC at the U.S. Small Business Administration District Office in Charlotte. In addition, two BRCs have been set up at the Asheville Chamber of Commerce and the Appalachian Enterprise Center in Boone. Each center has its own specific hours:
- Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)
U.S. Small Business Administration District Office
6302 Fairview Road, Suite 300
Charlotte, NC 28210
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Business Recovery Center (BRC)
Asheville Chamber of Commerce
36 Montford Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Business Recovery Center (BRC)
Appalachian Enterprise Center
130 Poplar Grove Connector
Boone, NC 28607
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Getting Started
For those wishing to take advantage of these services, walk-ins are welcome, though it’s often easier to schedule an appointment first. You can do this by visiting https://appointment.sba.gov/schedule/. If you have questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to the SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
A Community United
As North Carolina navigates this challenging period, the opening of these centers represents a step towards recovery. By connecting people with the assistance they need, it’s a reminder that our community is resilient and able to support one another in tough times. The SBA’s efforts are focused on guiding residents and businesses through this journey, ensuring they’re not alone as they work towards rebuilding their lives.
Let’s embrace the help being offered and encourage those in need to take action. Together, we can make a difference!
