The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding Missouri small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by Hurricane Helene that the deadline to apply for federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) is fast approaching.
Businesses and organizations in 15 Missouri counties affected by the storm’s excessive rain and high winds on September 28–29, 2024, have until August 11, 2025, to submit their applications. Eligible counties include Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dunklin, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Pemiscot, Perry, Ripley, Scott, Stoddard, and Wayne.
The loans are designed to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture operations, and private nonprofits recover from the economic impact of the storm, even if they did not sustain physical damage.
“These SBA loans help cover essential operating expenses like payroll, rent, and utilities, giving small businesses and nonprofits the financial breathing room to recover,” said Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience.
Loan amounts can reach up to $2 million, with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.25% for nonprofits, and repayment terms of up to 30 years. Payments are deferred for the first 12 months.
Eligible applicants can apply online at sba.gov/disaster, call (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can dial 7-1-1 for telecommunications relay services.
The disaster declaration also includes eligible counties in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
