The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Missouri. These loans are intended to offset economic losses caused by severe weather events, including a tornado, rain, flooding, hail, high winds, and lightning that occurred from April 2-7.
The affected areas include the Missouri counties of Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Dunklin, New Madrid, Scott, Stoddard, and Wayne. The SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is accessible to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofits with financial losses directly related to the disaster. However, agricultural producers such as farmers or ranchers are not eligible unless they operate small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs can be used for working capital needs resulting from the disaster and are available even if there was no physical damage to the business or nonprofit. The loans may cover fixed debts, payroll costs, accounts payable and other expenses that could not be paid due to the disaster.
"Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture," stated Chris Stallings from the SBA's Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience," SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover. We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters."
Loan amounts can reach up to $2 million with interest rates starting at 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits over terms extending up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue nor are payments required until 12 months after the first loan disbursement date. The SBA determines loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial situation.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster or contact SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on disaster assistance. Telecommunications relay services can be accessed by dialing 7-1-1 for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Completed loan applications must be submitted by March 9, 2026.