SBA to open Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Jackson for storm and flood recovery assistance

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JACKSON, Mo. — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Jackson to assist businesses, nonprofits, and residents affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that struck from March 30 to April 8.

The center will open at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, 1846 E. Jackson Blvd. It will operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will be closed Monday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

SBA customer service representatives will be available to answer questions and help applicants complete disaster loan forms. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments can be scheduled at Home – SBA DRC.

“When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers perform an important role by assisting small businesses and their communities,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. “At these centers, our specialists help business owners and residents apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to support their recovery.”

Businesses and private nonprofit organizations may apply for up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged property, equipment, or inventory. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to repair or replace their primary residence, and renters or homeowners may apply for up to $100,000 to replace personal property.

Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their verified physical damage for mitigation improvements, such as insulating pipes, weatherproofing, or installing storm windows.

Small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and nonprofits may also apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to cover working capital needs caused by the disaster. These loans can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses.

Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters, with repayment terms of up to 30 years. Interest will not accrue, and payments are deferred for the first 12 months.

To apply online, visit Disaster assistance | U.S. Small Business Administration. For assistance, contact the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to apply for physical damage loans is Dec. 22, 2025, and the deadline for economic injury applications is July 22, 2026.