Applications will be taken until March 31st ,2025.
Atlanta, Ga. (KM) The US Small Business Administration says Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available in Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties in western Maryland which were impacted by the drought. . SBA says small businesses, small agriculture cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most non-profit organizations are eligible. . These funds will help these farm-related entities cope with their economic losses due to the drought which began on July 16th..
“Working capital loans from the SBA are essential to eligible small businesses when the Secretary of Agriculture declares a disaster due to farmers’ crop losses.” says Francisco Sanchez, Jr. ,associate administer for the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, in a statement. . “These loans help sustain rural economies when a disaster strikes.”
The loan amount can be up $2 million with an interest rate of 4% for small businesses, and 3.24% for private, non-profit organizations. The SBA says interest does not accrue and payments are not due until 12 months after the first loan payment is disbursed..
SBA says it cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers and ranchers. But nurseries are eligible for losses caused by dry conditions.
In addition to western Maryland, these loans are also available for small businesses in Bedford, Fulton and Somerset Counties in Pennsylvania; .and Hampshire, Mineral and Morgan Counties in West Virginia.
The deadline to apply is March 31st, 2025. To apply or for more information, call 1-800-659-2955, or send an e-mail to [email protected].