Hurricane Helene swept through Augusta and the CSRA on October 2, 2024 leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Businesses in the region from small shops to large industrial complexes faced disruptions ranging from physical damage to prolonged power/water outages, forcing many to halt operations. The storm not only affected business continuity but strained local economies as companies scrambled to recover from the aftermath.
City governments across the CSRA responded swiftly, offering guidance on recovery and rebuilding efforts. From the mayor’s office to local news outlets to individual commissioners, our community stepped up offering support and resources. Business owners have access to disaster recovery resources through local municipal offices, with information on obtaining permits for repairs and accessing relief funds. Small Business Associations (SBA) have been instrumental in providing low-interest disaster loans to cover the costs of repairing or replacing damaged property, equipment, and inventory. SBA Disaster Loan Assistance programs also offer financial relief for operational disruptions caused by the storm.
Risk management advisors and insurance carriers have been working closely with business owners, helping them navigate complex claims processes for damages covered under their policies. In addition, local lenders have offered loan deferment options and emergency lines of credit to provide businesses with immediate cash flow during this critical recovery period.
Georgia Power has been a pillar of support for the community, dedicating round-the-clock efforts to restore electricity to the thousands of customers left without power in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Their teams worked tirelessly, often in hazardous conditions, to repair downed lines and infrastructure. The restoration of power has been a key factor in helping businesses across Augusta and the CSRA return to normal operations. Georgia Power Region Executive Kerry Bridges says, “Georgia is our home too, and we are in this together as we work to recover from the most destructive hurricane to ever hit the Georgia Power system.”
The path to recovery is challenging, but with the concerted efforts of local governments, financial institutions, and community-driven organizations like Georgia Power, the region is gradually rebuilding and becoming more resilient in the face of future natural disasters.
Below is a list of several key resources assisting in recovery:
City Governments and Local Agencies – City of Augusta Support
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs): Set up by city governments in Augusta and surrounding areas, these centers offer direct assistance to business owners on disaster response and rebuilding processes. They provide guidance on:
Augusta-Richmond County Office of Emergency Management: This office provides updates on local recovery efforts, shelter information, and road closures, as well as guidance on accessing state and federal disaster relief.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance
SBA Disaster Loans: The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Helene. These loans can cover repair and replacement of damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, equipment, and inventory, working capital to recover from economic injury (business disruption) even if the business was not physically damaged. SBA Business Recovery Centers provide one-on-one assistance for applying for disaster loans and offer information on other forms of financial aid.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) typically focuses on homeowners and individuals, businesses may also be eligible for assistance in specific cases, such as grants for temporary office spaces or short-term recovery aid, Disaster Assistance.
Risk Management Advisors and Insurance Providers
Business owners should work with their insurance providers to file claims for damages caused by the hurricane. Risk management advisors can also assist with evaluating policies and ensuring maximum coverage for business interruption, property damage, and liability issues. For those with business interruption insurance, this can cover the loss of income during the downtime caused by the hurricane.
Local Lenders and Financial Institutions
Many local banks and credit unions are offering deferred payments on existing loans to businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Lenders may also extend credit lines or offer short-term loans to provide immediate liquidity for urgent repairs and operational expenses.
Nonprofit and Local Business Associations
Chambers of Commerce: Regional chambers, such as the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, provide networking opportunities, recovery resources, and support for businesses affected by the storm.
Nonprofit Organizations: Local nonprofits offer grants and other forms of financial aid to businesses struggling to recover from the hurricane.
The Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area (CFCSRA) has played a pivotal role in supporting recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene by mobilizing donations and distributing emergency relief funds to local businesses and nonprofits. Their initiatives have helped provide critical resources for rebuilding and strengthening the community, offering financial aid and support to those most affected by the storm.
The HUB for Community Innovation served hot meals twice daily in partnership with the Red Cross and Salvation Army. The community was able to lend support through the HUB by bringing food, water, clothing, and other essentials during storm recovery.
These resources, combined with support from the community and local organizations, are vital for helping businesses in Augusta and the CSRA recover from Hurricane Helene’s devastating effects.