(ATLANTA) – Businesses and residents affected by the severe storms and flooding on August 12, 2025, in Catoosa County can now apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) to assist Georgians in the declared county applying for SBA disaster loan assistance at Fort Oglethorpe Constitution Hall in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. on Friday, August 29, 2025.

Georgia received the SBA declaration for Catoosa County and the two (2) contiguous counties (Walker and Whitfield) in response to a request made by Governor Brian Kemp’s authorized representative and the Deputy Director of Recovery at the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), Valarie Grooms. All counties included in the SBA declaration are eligible to apply for Physical Damage disaster loans (homes and businesses) and Economic Injury disaster loans (businesses).

“I know how devastating these storms and floods have been for families and businesses in northwest Georgia,” said GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb. “The SBA loans are an important resource to help people get back on their feet, and I want to encourage everyone who was affected to visit the Disaster Loan Outreach Center and apply. Recovery takes time, but help is available, and we’re committed to standing with these communities every step of the way.”

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://lending.sba.gov. Please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-800-659-2955 for further assistance. The address and hours of operation for the DLOC are provided below.

Fort Oglethorpe Constitution Hall
205 Forrest Rd
Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. 30742 

Opening: Friday, Aug. 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed on Sunday.

Temporarily Closing: Saturday, Aug. 30 and Monday, Sept. 1, Labor Day

The DLOC will permanently close on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m.

The filing deadline to return applications for Physical Damage disaster loans is October 27, 2025. The deadline to return Economic Injury disaster loan applications is May 26, 2026.

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As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency collaborates with local, state and federal governments in partnership with private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia website and preparedness campaign provides Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.