Hillsborough County News

July 6, 2012

Hillsborough Businesses, Non-Profits Eligible for Low-Interest Loans to Recover Economic Losses Caused by Tropical Storm Debby

 Hillsborough County small businesses, including small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture businesses, as well as most private non-profit organizations of all sizes, may apply for the US Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans to recover from financial, working capital losses caused by Tropical Storm Debby. Landlords who have lost revenue from their rental properties are also eligible. This Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage. At this time, Hillsborough County businesses and non-profits are not eligible for cost recovery for any physical storm damage.

Interest rates are as low as 3 percent for non-profit organizations and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years.  Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 3, 2013.

Additional details on the loan application process and eligibility are in the attached fact sheet, and also by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, 800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Impacted businesses may apply online using Electronic Loan Application on the SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

Individual homeowners suffering home damages can seek assistance from Hillsborough County’s Homeowner Rehabilitation Program by calling 813-612-5397.

To be considered for other disaster assistance, call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 800-621-FEMA (3362), (TTY) 800-462-7585 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.