SBA Offers Small Business Loans in Glacier, Toole, Pondera Counties
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Small, nonfarm businesses in the Montana counties of Flathead, Glacier, Pondera and Toole have until July 28, 2014, to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA). "These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the severe storms and hail that occurred from June 18 - September 30, 2013, in the primary county of Glacier," announced Tanya N. Garfield, Director of SBA's Disaster Field Operations Center ‑ West.
"SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster," Garfield said.
Small, nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private, nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
"Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4% for businesses and 2.875% for private, nonprofit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years, and are available to small businesses and most private, nonprofits without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship," Garfield said.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Service Agency (FSA) about the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assistance made available by the Secretary's declaration.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA's secure HERE.
Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA's Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955 or e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. For more information about SBA's disaster assistance programs, click HERE.
The deadline to apply for these loans is July 28, 2014.
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