Economic Transformation Program

Hurricane Disaster Relief

UPDATE: APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE for Hurricane Irene-Tropical Storm Lee Flood Recovery Grant Program Created

For the latest news, information and resources, you can also visit Governor Cuomo's website.

Assistance is available for businesses adversely impacted by Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee and related flooding. Governor Cuomo is urging businesses to do 3 things:

1. Immediately reach out to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to apply for assistance for physical and economic damages;

2. Fill out the ESD Hurricane Irene Questionnaire so that New York can best assess storm impact on businesses; and

3. Fill out a FEMA questionnaire to access potential assistance that may be available to businesses through various agencies or future programs.

Right now it is most important that businesses start the SBA application process, which can be done:

1. Online at www.sba.gov;

2. By calling the SBA Hotline at 1-800-659-2955; or

3. By visiting an SBA representative stationed at a Disaster Recovery Center in the affected community.

In addition, there are other organizations, including the Small Business Development Centers and the Entrepreneurial Assistance Centers across the state, which can assist businesses with accessing relief assistance.

Because there are deadlines for filing for assistance, it is important that businesses act quickly and help to spread the word to the business community.

Hurricane Irene Application Filing Deadlines:
Physical Damage: October 31, 2011
Economic Injury: May 31, 2012

Tropical Storm Lee Application Filing Deadlines:
Physical Damage: November 14, 2011
Economic Injury: June 13, 2012

*For personal, non-business assistance, visit the website of New York State Office of Emergency Management (SEMO) here: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/event/hurricane.cfm

Contact Information
If you know of a business in need of assistance or have questions, please call our Business Hotline Number at 1-800-STATE-NY.