Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are now available to businesses impacted by a fire last month along Walhalla's Main Street. Gov. Henry McMaster said the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved his disaster declaration request that will provide financial assistance to those eligible.
The fire on Sept. 17 damaged 10 businesses in downtown Walhalla. The SBA declaration grants access to low-interest loans to help address economic losses and financial impacts resulting from the fire.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has been coordinating with Oconee County officials, state partners, and the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) to provide support and coordination throughout the incident and recovery process. For more information about the loans or to apply online visit this link. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov .
Additionally, the SBA will open a Business Recovery Center in Oconee County at noon on Thursday, Oct. 15 at Earle House, 105 West South Broad St., Walhalla. The center will be open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will close on Friday, Nov. 6.
SBA representatives will be available at the center to assist eligible businesses and nonprofit organizations with applications and answer questions about available assistance. The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 9, 2027.