What To Do If Your Business or Farm Was Damaged

Information for business owners and farmers affected by a disaster including assistance offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Farm Service Agency (FSA). FEMA does not offer Individual Assistance grants to businesses and farms. If your primary residence was affected you may apply for Individual Disaster Assistance.

Business and farm loans are available to people who have suffered damage to business property or economic injury. These low-interest loans are available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA), to repair or replace damaged property not covered by insurance, and to provide working capital. Learn more about the SBA business loan application process.

You can obtain information at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) that may be set up after the President declares a major disaster. You can also call 1-800-621-FEMA (TTY: 1-800-462-7585) for information. You can visit the County FSA office or one of the SBA workshops set up in disaster areas.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Extension Service provides information and materials to farmers, ranchers, and others on what they can do to protect themselves and their property against the hazards associated with disasters. Information is available on such topics as: cleanup of damaged property, sanitation precautions, insect control, food preparation in an emergency, recovery actions on damaged farms, and renovations of damaged equipment and property. In addition the USDA Disaster Resource Center provides information about specific disasters and emergencies, how to prepare, recover, and help build long-term resilience, as well as information about USDA assistance during disaster events.

If you are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters there is crisis support and counseling available for you at Farm Aid Crisis Support and the Disaster Distress Helpline.