Flood Disaster Recovery Resources for Businesses

WAYNE COUNTY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FLOOD DISASTER RECOVERY RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES

Dear Chamber Members,

As our community continues to respond to the recent flooding across Wayne County, we want to make sure our business community has accurate information about what to do now and what resources may become available as the recovery process moves forward.

We have been in contact with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) regarding assistance for businesses impacted by the flooding. At this time, SBA disaster assistance is not yet available for the current disaster. Several steps must take place first, including damage assessments and the appropriate local, state and federal declaration processes.

While we wait for that process to move forward, there are several important things businesses should do now.

1. Report Physical Damage

If your business has experienced physical damage to your building, equipment, inventory, property or other assets, please report that damage to your city or county emergency management office.

This is an important step in the recovery process. The more damage that is reported and documented, the better officials can understand the overall impact on our community and move the assessment and declaration process forward.

2. Document Your Damage and Losses

Take photos and videos of all affected areas, buildings, equipment, inventory and other property. Be sure to keep:

• Photos and videos of damage
• Insurance claim information
• Receipts for cleanup and emergency purchases
• Repair estimates and invoices
• Records of damaged or lost inventory
• Documentation of business interruption and other financial losses
• Even if you are unsure whether a particular loss will qualify for future assistance, document it and keep your records.

3. Contact Your Insurance Provider

If your business has experienced damage, contact your insurance provider and file a claim as soon as possible. Continue to document damage and expenses throughout the cleanup and recovery process.

🚨 TELL US WHAT YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS 🚨

Complete Our 3-Minute Business Impact Survey

Your response will help the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce:

• Assess the extent of business damage across Wayne County
• Identify immediate needs and resource gaps
• Advocate for local, state, and federal assistance
• Connect businesses to available recovery resources
• Coordinate support efforts throughout the recovery process

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY: Flood Impact and Assistance Needs Survey 

Please complete the survey even if your business experienced only minor impacts. Every response helps us better understand community needs and provide the most effective support.

Immediate Disaster Resources

While federal disaster assistance is not yet available, businesses and individuals may be able to receive immediate assistance through disaster response organizations and community partners.

American Red Cross – Red Cross Disaster Resources

The Salvation Army – The Salvation Army USA

Local churches and other community organizations may also have resources available. We will continue working with community partners to identify available assistance and help connect businesses with appropriate resources. A list of local resources will be on our website: https://www.wcareachamber.org/resources.html

Potential Future SBA Assistance

If the appropriate disaster declarations are issued and eligibility requirements are met, additional assistance may become available.

Depending on the type of declaration, SBA Disaster Loans may become available to eligible businesses and homeowners with physical property damage. These loans may help with costs such as repairing or replacing damaged buildings, equipment, machinery, furniture and inventory, as well as losses not fully covered by insurance.

Small businesses experiencing economic losses related to the disaster may also become eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Potential economic impacts may include lost business, business interruption, supply-chain disruptions and certain operating expenses.

SBA assistance is not currently available for this disaster. We will share additional information as the declaration and eligibility process develops.

For information about SBA disaster assistance and current disaster declarations:

SBA Disaster Assistance & Current Disasters

Need Assistance?

Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce

We are committed to helping local businesses navigate available disaster recovery resources and connect with assistance programs.

Phone:(765) 962-1511

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.wcareachamber.org

For SBA Disaster Assistance: www.sba.gov/disaster

Indiana Department of Homeland Security – Disaster Declarations

FEMA – Disasters and Other Declarations

DisasterAssistance.gov

Interested in donating funds to assist those affected by disasters? Donate to the Wayne County Foundation’s Wayne County Cares Fund

We know this has been an incredibly difficult time for many of our businesses and their employees. The Chamber is committed to standing alongside our business community throughout the days, weeks and months ahead.

Strong Businesses. Strong Communities. Strong Wayne County.

The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce encourages all businesses affected by flooding to document losses, report damages, and complete the Business Impact Survey so we can respond quickly and effectively to local needs.