NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The U.S. Small Business Administration has an office set up in the Reno County Courthouse on the mezzanine to help those that suffered damage in the Cottonwood Complex fire.
"We offer low-interest government loans for businesses of all sizes, non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters, as well," said Barbara Nitis with the Small Business Administration. "This is including places of worship, that a lot of people don't know about. This is for the disaster that happened from March 5th to the 16th, people are able to apply."
Don't assume you aren't eligible without talking to the office first.
"It's going to be opening today at 1 p.m.," Nitis said.
After that, the hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you had to relocate temporarily and can't make it in to the courthouse, there are other ways to apply.
"They can also apply online at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov and we also have a customer service number, 1-800-659-2955. They have three different options."
There are multiple different loan programs depending on whether you own your home or rent or if you had a business that had to close for any period during the fires, or if you need mitigation funds, they can help with that, too. The best way to find out the details is to go to the courthouse and find out.