Baltimore riots 2015: Damage to businesses caused by violent protests put at $9m

A new report by the Small Business Administration revealed that destruction from the violent riots in Baltimore caused an estimated $9m (£5.7m) in damages to about 285 businesses. Officials stated that the estimate is just a portion of what the total estimated damages and economic impact the riots had on Baltimore.

According to the Baltimore Sun, the agency estimated $8.9m of the damage to about 285, with an addition $60,000 to two houses. Officials told the newspaper that at least 30 buildings sustained major damages.

The Baltimore Development Corp. noted that the estimated damaged businesses were much higher at 350.

Baltimore's City Council is scheduled to hold a hearing on 9 June to investigate the total costs of the riots. The Baltimore Sun reported that officials also reported about 150 vehicle fires and over 60 structural fires.

Senator Barbara A Mikulski and other Maryland Democrats called on the Small Business Administration to help create disaster centres in the city and to assist business owners in finding out if they are eligible for benefits and applying for assistance.

"This physical disaster determination and quick follow-through is necessary to help ensure that Baltimore business owners can get the physical disaster loan assistance and economic injury disaster loan assistance they need to repair or replace real estate, personal property, equipment, or inventory damaged or destroyed in the disturbance," Mikulski said in a letter to the agency.

Senator Ben Cardin and Congressman Elijah Cummings also signed the letter, the Baltimore Sun reported.

On 11 May, the agency issued a Physical Disaster Declaration for the city for the damaged caused from 25 April to 3 May. The Baltimore Development Corp also announced it had established the Baltimore Business Recovery Fund, which hopes to raise $15m for a loan programme. Over $200,000 has already been donated, the Sun noted.

Eligible businesses can apply for zero-interest loans up to $35,000, however, those loans can become grants if the businesses meet specific benchmarks.