President Biden has issued disaster declarations for Florida and several other states whose residents suffered damage or loss as a result of Hurricane Ian.  In addition to assistance that may be available from other Federal agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), these declarations authorize SBA to provide various types of disaster assistance for affected homeowners, renters, nonprofits and businesses of all sizes.  Information about the assistance that may be available from SBA can be found at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. SBA is suggesting that lenders make their customers aware of the availability of the SBA disaster relief programs and encourage affected businesses and individuals to begin the application process as soon as possible.  As part of this process, and particularly because of the huge demands that will be made on the insurance companies that may cover disaster losses – especially in Florida – affected entities and individuals also should begin the insurance claim process immediately.