The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the opening of Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) in four Michigan counties: Charlevoix, Emmet, Otsego, and Presque Isle. These centers aim to support small businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by severe winter storms from March 28-30.
Starting Monday, June 16, SBA customer service representatives will be available at these centers to answer questions about the disaster loan program, guide applicants through the process, and assist with application completion. While walk-ins are welcome, appointments can also be scheduled in advance at appointment.sba.gov.
Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA, emphasized the importance of these centers: "When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers play a vital role in helping small businesses and their communities recover." Stallings noted that specialists at these centers will help business owners and residents with loan applications and provide information on recovery programs.
Disaster survivors are advised not to wait for insurance settlements before applying for loans. The SBA can offer low-interest disaster loans up to its limits if borrowers agree to use insurance proceeds to repay or reduce the loan amount.
Applications for physical property damage must be submitted by August 8, 2025. Economic injury applications have a deadline of March 9, 2026. Applications can be submitted online at sba.gov/disaster. Additional information is available via phone at (800) 659-2955 or email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Telecommunications relay services are accessible by dialing 7-1-1 for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
For more details on SBA resources and assistance programs, visit www.sba.gov.