Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce and Claremore Economic Development welcome you to its Business Disaster Resource Hub, your go-to destination for comprehensive support and information in times of crisis.
On May 25, a tornado caused widespread damage in Claremore. The following resource content is designed for business use, and will be updated as information is available. We are committed to supporting businesses of all sizes in building robust disaster resilience. Start exploring our resources today and take the first step towards ensuring your business's safety and continuity.
Together, we can face any challenge and come out stronger on the other side. #WeAreClaremore
My Business Was Impacted By The Storm... Where Do I Start?
If your business property was damaged, begin by contacting your local insurance agent. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management has asked those impacted by the storm report property damage at damage.ok.gov. Reporting damage helps local and state emergency managers better coordinate response and recovery efforts.
If you and or your team has been displaced from office facilities or lack internet, temporary office space with climate-control, PCs and internet access can be utilized for BUSINESS PURPOSES beginning Tuesday, May 28, 2024. This is available at Northeast Tech Claremore Campus (1901 OK-88) Monday - Friday from 8a - 5p.
Claremore SBA Business Recovery Center
The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center announced the opening of its SBA Business Recovery Center in Claremore on Thursday, June 20, to provide a wide range of services to businesses impacted by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 19 - 28.
ROGERS COUNTY
Business Recovery Center
Northeast Tech – Claremore Campus
1901 N Highway 88
Claremore, OK 74017
Opens at 8 a.m. Thursday, June 20
Mondays - Fridays, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
SBDC business advisors will provide business assistance to clients on a wide variety of matters designed to help small business owners re-establish their operations, overcome the effects of the disaster and plan for their future. Services include assessing business working capital needs, evaluating the business’s strength, cash flow projections, and most importantly, a review of options with the business owner to help them evaluate their alternatives and make decisions that are appropriate for their situation.
Businesses of any size and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. These loans cover losses that are not fully covered by insurance or other recoveries.
SBA Disaster Loans
Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Oklahoma businesses and residents as a result of President Biden’s major disaster declaration.
Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent
or minimize disaster damage from occurring in the future.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available to businesses regardless of any property damage.
Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.
Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit
organizations and 2.688 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
As soon as Federal-State Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the affected area, SBA will provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants. Additional information and details on the location of disaster recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.
How can we verify companies are reputable?
We encourage businesses to carefully choose verified and reputable companies for repairs. For a list of Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce Business Members visit this link. Please ensure providers adhere to quality, safety, and swift recovery industry standards by holding necessary licenses and insurance. Selecting trusted professionals minimizes downtime, protects investments, and supports a smooth return to normal operations, safeguarding long-term resilience and reputation.
If you have employees who have personal property which was impacted by the storm, they should access resource information at claremore.com/weatheralerts.
Disaster Loan FAQ
What Types of Disaster Loans are Available?
• Business Physical Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business,
including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit
organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small
businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary
financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster
recovery period.
• Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal
property, including automobiles.
View the U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FACT SHEET - DISASTER LOANS
Helpful Resources
Construction Industries Board Licensed Providers
Small Business Support
- America SBDC Oklahoma - FAQ Disaster Assistance in Oklahoma
- U.S. Chamber Foundation - Disaster Help Desk for Business
- U.S. Chamber Foundation - Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program (Register your business now to be eligible for grants in the case of future catastrophic events.)
Oklahoma Insurance Resources
- Oklahoma Insurance Department Resources
- Suspected Insurance Fraud - Report suspected fraud to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit at 1-833-681-1895 or consumerprotection@oag.ok.gov.
Tribal Nation Resources
- Cherokee Nation citizens in need of support please call 918-453-5422.
Free Temporary Signage
- 918 Prints is here to help businesses affected by the recent storms. If your signage was damaged, 918 Prints is offering a **free 3x5 or 4x8 banner** to serve as temporary signage and help you get back on your feet quickly.
Emergency Child Care Assistance
- Village Learning Center (1059 W Blue Starr Drive) is taking drop-ins ($35 daily) - 918-923-7103
Useful Contact Information
City of Claremore - Weather Alerts
& Disaster Frequently Asked Questions
www.claremore.com/weatheralerts
Rogers County Emergency Management
Facebook Updates
https://www.facebook.com/rogerscountyem
U.S. Senator James Lankford
lankford.senate.gov
Phone: (918) 581-7651
U.S. Senator Mark Wayne Mullin
mullin.senate.gov
Phone: (918) 921-8520
U.S. Representative Josh Brecheen
brecheen.house.gov
Phone: (918) 283-6262 (may have delayed connectivity due to storm damage)
(202) 225-2701 - D.C. Office
FEMA
4776 | FEMA.gov
Small Business Administration
sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
damage.ok.gov - Report Property Damage
oklahoma.gov/oem.html - General Information