San Antonio, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Small business owners in San Antonio expressed frustration at the recent Small Business Disaster Recovery Fair, hosted by Governor Greg Abbott. Many expected immediate financial relief but were offered low-interest loans instead, raising concerns about their sufficiency amidst the devastating impacts of the Hill Country Floods. Community support is evident with over 30 tons of donations collected by Goodwill to assist flood victims. The state has allocated over $200 million for recovery efforts, but business owners continue to struggle with financial burdens.
San Antonio – Small business owners affected by the recent Hill Country Floods voiced their disappointment at the Small Business Disaster Recovery Fair hosted by Governor Greg Abbott. Many entrepreneurs who had hoped for immediate financial assistance were instead presented with low-interest loan options, a solution that left many questioning its adequacy to address their dire financial situations.
The fair, held as part of the state’s recovery efforts, aimed to connect business owners with necessary resources. However, for many, the outcome was far from what they anticipated. Flood impacts have severely damaged properties, businesses, and personal vehicles, leaving affected owners like Jennifer and Jack Hudson, who run Quality and Patio Furniture, struggling to regain stability.
Loan offers were presented to attendees, primarily through the Small Business Administration (SBA), which included a 12-month grace period for repayment. As noted by Yvette Cruz from the SBA, these loans were made available at the request of the governor as a means to fill financial gaps during this challenging recovery period.
Nevertheless, business owner Lorena Guillen, who operates Howdy’s Restaurant and Blue Oak RV Park, highlighted the difficulties of repaying a bridge loan after experiencing devastating losses. This sentiment resonates with many attendees who felt the offered loans would not alleviate their immediate financial burdens.
The Governor’s office maintains that the purpose of the event was to facilitate connections between impacted Texans and resources necessary for their recovery. In addition, the state has allocated over $200 million for recovery and relief efforts to support the affected communities.
In Kerrville, the local Goodwill Store and Donation Station has stepped up as a vital resource, transforming into a hub for community donations in response to the floods, which have tragically resulted in over 100 fatalities. Staff at this location established a temporary relief pantry, providing essential items, including clothing, food, and household goods, to flood victims.
By July 10, more than 30 tons of donated items had been collected by the Goodwill store, illustrating strong community support. A centralized flood relief donation distribution center has also been initiated by Goodwill in collaboration with the American Red Cross, set to operate for 90 days to meet ongoing needs.
The united efforts of the community members are evident as they work to recover from the devastating effects of the floods, receiving additional attention in a live segment by NBC’s Al Roker for the “Today” show.
What financial assistance is offered to small business owners?
Small business owners impacted by the floods were offered low-interest loans with a 12-month grace period from the SBA at the disaster recovery fair.
How has the community responded to the disaster?
The community has come together significantly, with the Goodwill Store in Kerrville receiving over 30 tons of donations to support flood victims.
What is the total state allocation for recovery efforts?
The state has allocated over $200 million for recovery relief efforts in communities affected by the floods.
What resources are provided at the Goodwill Store?
A temporary relief pantry at the Goodwill Store distributes free items, including clothing, food, and household goods, to those impacted by the floods.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Loans Offered | Low-interest loans with a 12-month grace period from the SBA |
| Community Donations | Over 30 tons of items received for flood victims |
| State Funding | More than $200 million allocated for recovery efforts |
| Goodwill Resources | Temporary relief pantry providing clothing, food, and household goods |
| Date | Event | Status |
|---|---|---|
| July 4 | Floods occur in Hill Country | Impact noted |
| July 10 | Goodwill Store receives over 30 tons of donations | Help ongoing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Kerrville Community Unites to Aid Flood Victims
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Additional Resources
- News4San Antonio: Frustration Grows as Flood Victims Face Loan Offers
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- Express News: Texas Floods Recovery Kerrville Goodwill
- Google Search: Texas flood recovery
- Fox San Antonio: Fire Department Aids Kerrville Flood Relief
- Google Scholar: Kerrville flood relief
- KSAT: Family Remembers Selfless San Antonio Woman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hill Country flood recovery
- News4San Antonio: Al Roker to Spotlight Flood Recovery Efforts
- Google News: Al Roker flood recovery
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
