Assistance to Help Businesses

Disasters can take a physical and financial toll on business. Learn about federal assistance available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and tax relief.

Check with your state and local government to see what additional resources may be available in your area.

Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to get information and advice about community, state and federal agencies and other available assistance for your business.

To find a DRC, visit the DRC Locator or text "DRC" and your zip code to 43362.

• The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides long-term low interest loans up to $2 million to cover disaster losses not fully covered by insurance.
• Eligible Applicants: Qualified businesses of any size and most non-profit organizations. There is no charge to apply for the loan, and you do not have to accept it if you are approved.
• Use of Proceeds: May be used to repair or replace physical assets such as real property, machinery, equipment, fixtures, inventory, leasehold improvements. Proceeds may not be used to upgrade or expand a business, except as required by building codes.

• The SBA provides long-term low interest loans up to $2 million for working capital to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations impacted by a disaster meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations until normal operations resume.
• Use of Proceeds:
  • Working capital and normal expenses such as the continuation of health care benefits, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments.
  • EIDL funds cannot be used for expanding facilities, buying fixed assets, repairing physical damages, refinancing debt, paying out dividends or bonuses, or paying back loans to stockholders or principals.

• The IRS will automatically provide administrative disaster tax relief and special tax law provisions that grants additional time for individuals and businesses to file returns, pay taxes, and perform certain other time-sensitive acts to taxpayers affected by a federally declared disaster. Some exceptions may apply.
• For current tax relief provisions search Tax Relief in Disaster Situations and visit Around the Nation for IRS disaster relief news releases specific to states affected by disasters.