Ever tried running your business right after a disaster?
Now try it without help.
That’s the moment most entrepreneurs face when floodwaters rise, wildfires roar, or the sky opens up and dumps chaos into your parking lot. And that’s exactly what Bryan Eisenberg, host of the Rock Solid podcast, tackled in his interview with Anita Steenson from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience (ODR&R).
Yeah, that’s a mouthful. But what Anita had to say? You’ll want to hear every word.
Resilience isn’t just a buzzword. It’s survival with a strategy. Anita opened the conversation with a simple truth: their office doesn’t just help businesses recover. It helps them come back stronger. That’s the “resilience” part. They’re not there to slap on a bandage. They’re there to rebuild muscle.
Most people don’t even know the SBA can help homeowners and renters, not just business owners. That’s not a typo. The SBA, traditionally known for small business loans, also provides low-interest disaster loans to families, nonprofits, and landlords.
If your living room took a swim or your business lost its roof, you might qualify. And you don’t need a storefront to apply.
But here’s the kicker.
There’s a deadline.
If you suffered damage from the recent Central Texas flooding, the grace period ends November 27. That’s the date to remember. Anita emphasized it more than once because she knows that too many people wait until it’s too late.
And let’s clear something up. FEMA and SBA aren’t the same.
FEMA offers grants. The SBA offers loans. But the loans are low-interest, long-term, and trauma-informed. That means no payments and no interest for 12 months. Think about that. A homeowner can receive up to $500,000, plus $100,000 for personal property, and another 20% for mitigation. Businesses and nonprofits can access up to $2 million.
Let that sink in. These are life-changing resources.
So why don’t more people apply?
Fear. Confusion. The word “loan” triggers flashbacks to bad rates and red tape. But as Anita explained, there’s no cost to apply. No obligation to accept the funds. No downside to exploring your options.
And yet people hesitate.
Anita gets it. She’s lived through disaster. Literally. From Hurricane Andrew to 9/11 to the LA fires, she’s seen it all. That’s what drives her. Most folks in her office didn’t just get hired. They got recruited from disaster zones. Survivors helping survivors.
One moment that hit hard? A Texas homeowner who struggled with uploading paperwork reached out directly. Anita didn’t point him to a help desk. She met him in person. Walked him through it. Even helped him photograph and submit documents. That’s resilience. That’s what the SBA brings to the table. Real people who show up when everything feels broken.
So what now?
Go to sba.gov/disaster. Even if you’re not sure you qualify. Even if you think you’re too late. Apply.
Anita said it best:
“Apply, apply, apply. Even if you’re just curious.”
Rock Solid is proud to bring voices like hers to the business community in Round Rock. Because resilience doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because someone shows up, raises their hand, and asks for help.
You in?
Rock Solid is recorded and produced at Round Rock Studio, your home for professional podcasting and content creation. Whether you’re starting a show or leveling up your brand, our studio is built to make you sound like a pro. Let’s build something strong. Together.
