Fairmont State Partners with SBA to Help Local Businesses and Residents Recover from Father’s Day Flood
Fairmont State continues to serve North-Central West Virginia in the aftermath of the 2025 Father’s Day Flood. The University is hosting the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Recovery Center (BRC) to assist residents, businesses, and nonprofits impacted by the disaster in Room 304 of the Falcon Center.
“Fairmont State University remains steadfast in our role as a community anchor—providing resources, support, and hope as West Virginians rebuild,” said President Mike Davis. “From opening the emergency shelter and organizing the housing fair to now partnering with the SBA, we are proud to stand with our neighbors in times of crisis. This is what it means to be a public university—serving our communities not just through education, but through action and compassion when it matters most.”
In response to a Presidential disaster declaration issued on July 22, 2025, the SBA is offering low-interest disaster loans to small businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by the June 14–15 storms, flooding, straight-line winds, landslides, and mudslides.
“SBA’s Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. “Business owners can meet face-to-face with specialists who will guide them through the loan process and connect them with recovery resources.”
Who’s Eligible:
- Marion and Ohio counties (primary disaster areas): eligible for both Physical Damage and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
- Adjacent counties eligible for EIDLs only: Brooke, Harrison, Marshall, Monongalia, Taylor, Wetzel (WV); Belmont, Jefferson (OH); and Washington (PA).
Business Recovery Center Details:
- Location: Room 304, Falcon Center, Fairmont State University
- Hours: Monday-Friday 9 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM.
- Services: SBA representatives will assist visitors with the disaster loan process, answer questions, and help complete applications.
- Appointments: Walk-ins welcome; appointments available at appointment.sba.gov
Loan Program Highlights:
- Businesses & Nonprofits: Up to $2 million for physical damages, including real estate, equipment, inventory, etc.
- Homeowners: Up to $500,000 for primary residence repairs
- Renters & Homeowners: Up to $100,000 for personal property losses
- Mitigation Loans: Up to 20% more to prevent future damage (e.g., storm shelters, wind-rated improvements)
Rates & Terms:
- Rates as low as 4.00% for small businesses
- Rates as low as 3.625% for nonprofits
- Rates as low as 2.813% for homeowners/renters
- Repayment begins 12 months after the first disbursement; terms up to 30 years
Survivors do not need to wait for insurance settlements before applying. SBA can approve a loan for the total estimated loss, with the expectation that insurance proceeds will be used to repay part of the loan.
Dani DeVito, President of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, has expressed her strong support for the partnership, emphasizing the positive impact the new BRC location will have on the community.
“The Marion County Chamber and our broader business community is so lucky to have a partner like Fairmont State that is willing to step up and be a leader in our community,” said DeVito. “Being able to have the SBA team and the Business Recovery Center on campus at Fairmont State is going to make this process so much easier for our local businesses and community members who are looking for assistance with their applications.”
Due to changes in FEMA’s Sequence of Delivery, applicants are now encouraged to apply for both FEMA grants and SBA loans simultaneously to access the full range of available aid.
How to Apply:
- Online: sba.gov/disaster
- Phone: (800) 659-2955
- Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
- Relay Service: Dial 7-1-1 for telecommunications support
Deadlines:
- Physical Damage Loans: Sept. 22, 2025
- Economic Injury Loans (EIDL): April 22, 2026
