SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to certain private nonprofit organizations in Cape Girardeau, Pike and Scott counties following the amendment to President Trump’s May 20, 2019, major disaster declaration for Public Assistance as a result of severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred March 11 – April 16, 2019, announced acting Administrator Christopher M. Pilkerton of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance.
 
Although the deadline to apply for a disaster loan for physical damages was July 19, 2019, private nonprofits in Cape Girardeau, Pike and Scott counties may apply with an explanation that they were not eligible until this August 16, 2019, amendment to the declaration.
 
SBA may lend private nonprofits 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 help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.
 
In addition, private nonprofits of any size may apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. “Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the private nonprofit suffered any property damage,” Garfield said.