The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for private nonprofit organizations in Missouri affected by severe weather events, including winter storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred from March 30 to April 8.
This disaster declaration applies to several counties in Missouri: Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cooper, Douglas, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, Maries, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon Stoddard Texas Vernon Wayne and Webster.
Eligible private nonprofits providing non-critical governmental services impacted by physical damages or financial losses related to the disaster can apply for business physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Examples of eligible organizations include food kitchens homeless shelters museums libraries community centers schools and colleges.
Private nonprofits may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate machinery equipment inventory and other business assets. Applicants may also qualify for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes.
EIDLs are intended for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if no physical damage was suffered. These loans can be used to pay fixed debts payroll accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”
Interest rates start as low as 3.62% with terms extending up to 30 years. Interest does not begin accruing until 12 months after the first loan disbursement date. Loan amounts and terms will be determined based on each applicant’s financial condition.
The SBA urges applicants to submit their applications promptly as they will be prioritized based on submission order with a commitment from the SBA to process them efficiently.
Applications can be submitted online at sba.gov/disaster or through SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or via email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Telecommunications relay services are available by dialing 7-1-1 for those who are deaf hard of hearing or have a speech disability.
The deadline for returning physical damage applications is July 22 2025 while economic injury applications must be returned by February 23 2026.