Anita Steenson didn’t just get hired into disaster recovery work — she was recruited from a disaster zone. From Hurricane Andrew to 9/11 to the LA fires, she has been present at the worst of it. Now she’s telling every Round Rock business owner the same thing: Apply, apply, apply. Even if you’re just curious.
“Apply, apply, apply. Even if you’re just curious. There is no cost to apply and no obligation to accept the funds.”
— Anita Steenson, SBA Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience
At the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, Anita’s team helps businesses come back stronger after floods, fires, and storms. Low-interest, long-term disaster loans with no payments and no interest for the first 12 months. No cost to apply. No obligation to accept.
Episode Highlights
[00:30] — How Anita Got Recruited Into Disaster Recovery
[03:00] — From Hurricane Andrew to 9/11: A Career Built in Crisis
[06:00] — What the SBA Disaster Recovery Office Actually Does
[09:00] — SBA Disaster Loans: Terms, Limits, and How to Apply
[13:00] — Why Most Business Owners Don’t Apply (And Why They Should)
[17:00] — Walking a Texas Homeowner Through the Process in Person
[21:00] — Resilience Is Not a Buzzword. It’s a Strategy.
“Resilience isn’t just a buzzword. It’s survival with a strategy.”
— Anita Steenson, SBA Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SBA Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience?
The SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience helps businesses, homeowners, renters, and nonprofits recover from declared disasters through low-interest loans. These loans offer long repayment terms (up to 30 years), no payments and no interest for the first 12 months, and go directly to eligible applicants.
How much can a business borrow from the SBA after a disaster?
Businesses and nonprofits can access up to $2 million in SBA disaster loans. Homeowners can receive up to $500,000 to repair or replace their primary residence, plus an additional $100,000 for personal property. There is no cost to apply and no obligation to accept the funds.
How do Round Rock businesses apply for SBA disaster assistance?
Applications are submitted through sba.gov/disaster. You do not need to wait until losses are fully assessed — applying early is always better, even if you’re uncertain about your eligibility. Anita and her team can also assist applicants in person.
Does applying for an SBA disaster loan cost anything?
Applying is completely free. There is no application fee and no obligation to accept a loan if you are approved. The only risk, as Anita says, is not knowing what you qualify for.
“The only risk is not knowing what you qualify for. Apply. Then decide.”
— Anita Steenson, SBA Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience
About Anita
Anita Steenson is a program specialist at the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. She was recruited into disaster recovery work during a major hurricane and has since been present at some of the nation’s most significant disaster events — Hurricane Andrew, 9/11, and the LA fires. Her mission is simple: help business owners and homeowners understand the resources available before, during, and after a disaster. She can be reached through sba.gov/disaster.
Connect: SBA Disaster Assistance | Leader Profile
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