Janice Herrington’s day care center in Stockbridge wasn’t affected by the terrorist attacks hundreds of miles away in New York and Washington on Sept. 11, 2001. But like hundreds of other Georgia business owners, and thousands around the nation, she was able to secure a government-backed loan through a federal program for small businesses hurt by the attacks. So did Valdosta veterinarian Jeff Creamer, Hawkinsville real estate and golf course developer Larry Dunaway, and hundreds of other Georgia entrepreneurs whose businesses range from restaurant franchises to independent beauty salons - all far removed from the devastating attacks of four years ago this Sunday.

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In Valdosta, veterinarian Creamer said his $1.5 million loan was warranted.

“You would not think a veterinary practice in south Georgia would be that impacted. I certainly did not expect to be, not nearly to the degree we were.”

He explained that travel suddenly declined as people stayed close to their homes. That affected the fees he got from boarding pets and from performing other services - shots, nail clipping and the like - that people tend to have done to their pets while they are being boarded.”

AP: 300 Ga. Businesses Got 9/11 Loans