Southwest Florida Businesses & Nonprofits have Until December 8, 2025, to Apply for Federal Disaster loans
Small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations (PNPs) in impacted areas of Southwest Florida have until december 8, 2025, to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans due to the February 2025 drought. A 60-day grace period will follow the deadline, during which the Small Business Administration (SBA) will continue to accept applications.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provides working capital to help businesses and PNPs overcome financial losses directly related to the drought, even if they did not sustain physical damage. These loans can be used for fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other operating expenses. “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” saeid Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA.
Loan amounts can reach up to $2 million, with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.250% for PNPs. Loan terms extend up to 30 years, and interest accrual and payments are deferred for 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement.The SBA determines loan amounts and terms based on individual financial circumstances.
Businesses can apply online at sba.gov/disaster or contact the SBA’s customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955. Email inquiries can be sent to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Telecommunications relay services are available by dialing 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability.
