Special to the PRESS
Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Texas businesses and residents affected by the severe storms and a tornado that occurred May 13, announced Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Greg Abbott on May 24.
The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties.
“SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help Texas’s small businesses and residents impacted by the severe storms and a tornado,” said Administrator Guzman. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”
“My thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the residents of Cameron County. As someone born in this community, I am deeply saddened by the devastating impact of the tornado and the lives lost.
The SBA stands in full support of the affected individuals and businesses during this challenging time,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., Associate Administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “We are committed to providing assistance through our disaster programs, offering low-interest loans to eligible individuals whose homes and businesses have suffered damage from the severe weather. I recognize the situation’s urgency and we have issued an administrative disaster declaration. The safety and well-being of the Cameron County community is our utmost priority. Our dedicated team is here to provide the necessary support and assistance as we navigate the recovery process together.”
“Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster,” said SBA’s Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West. “Beginning Friday, May 26, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application,” Garfield continued. The center will be open on the days and times indicated below. No appointment is necessary.
Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.
Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.
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