THOMASVILLE — More than $1 million in home Small Business Administration (SBA) loans have been approved for eight southwest Georgia counties, including Thomas, affected by January tornadoes, severe storms and straight-line wind.

The loans, as of Thursday, were for Thomas, Berrien, Cook, Crisp, Dougherty, Turner, Wilcox and Worth counties.

In the same counties, more than $50,000 in loans have been approved for businesses affected by the Sunday, Jan. 22, inclement weather.

“SBA is not only for business damages. It’s actually low-interest disaster loans for business of all sizes, homeowners, renters and non-profits,” Briana Turner, SBA public affairs specialist, said.

A disaster recovery center is at the Thomasville-Thomas County Emergency Services Center, 1202 Remington Ave.

The more people who register at the center for SBA, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) help, the longer the center will be open.

For physical damages, the registration deadline is March 27. Oct. 26 is the deadline for economic injury.

Turner said the Cook County center closed Wednesday because of a lack of people registering for help.

SBA loan categories are:

• Business physical disaster — To repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by a business. Private, non-profit organizations — charities, churches, private universities — also are eligible.

• Economic injury disaster — Designed to keep a business in business.

• Home disaster — Up to $200,000 for homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including vehicles.

Turner said people seeking SBA help should apply through FEMA first. FEMA will recommend SBA if applicable.

The Thomasville disaster recovery center is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

“Thomas County has been blessed to have such a response from a multitude of organizations that have graciously come in and helped our citizens after this storm,” Thomas County Commission Chairman Ken Hickey said. “(Ms.) Turner is here to offer her knowledge and resources to aid our citizens.” 

Turner said that if someone qualifies for an SBA loan, the individual is not obligated to accept the money.”FEMA assistance might cover their needs,” she explained.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820.