Community Bulletin
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The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in West Virginia that the April 22 deadline to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans is approaching.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to offset economic losses from the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred June 14-15, 2025, according to a press release from the SBA.
The declaration covers the West Virginia counties of Brooke, Harrison, Marion, Marshall, Monongalia, Ohio, Taylor and Wetzel, as well as the Ohio counties of Belmont and Jefferson and Washington county in Pennsylvania.
Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofits with financial losses directly related to the disaster are eligible. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
The loans are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster, even if the business or nonprofit did not suffer physical damage. They may 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.”
Loan amounts can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement.
After the April 22 deadline, there is a 60-day grace period in which the SBA will still accept applications.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
