Gov. Evers Encourages Wisconsinites and Businesses Affected by Storms Last Summer to Apply for SBA Disaster Assistance

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today once again encouraged small businesses and nonprofits affected by severe weather last August to apply for federal disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). While the Home Disaster and Business Physical Disaster Loan applications closed last November, Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA are still available for Wisconsinites and businesses impacted by devastating storms that occurred Aug. 9 through Aug. 12, 2025, resulting in tens of millions of dollars in damage.

“Recovering from severe storms like what we experienced last August doesn’t happen overnight, and we know that many small businesses and organizations are still struggling, but no one has to carry their burdens alone,” said Gov. Evers. “So, I encourage folks who are still working to recover to apply for this assistance, and here in Wisconsin, we will continue to do what we can to help folks recover and rebuild.”

Please note that the disaster loan offerings through the SBA are complementary to and separate from Individual Assistance programs offered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Gov. Evers last September announced he had secured approval of a federal disaster declaration, unlocking nearly $30 million to help Wisconsin families and businesses rebuild and recover after extreme weather caused tens of millions of dollars in damage.

Eligible applicants may apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which are working capital loans for small businesses and nonprofits unable to meet financial obligations due to the disaster. The loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations (PNP) with financial losses directly related to the disaster, even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

The deadline for applications is June 11, 2026. However, according to the SBA, there is a 60-day grace period after the deadline has passed in which the SBA will accept applications.

Businesses in Dodge, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha counties may be eligible for economic injury assistance.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. For assistance, contact the SBA Customer Service Center:

• Phone: 1-800-659-2955
• Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
• TTY: Dial 7-1-1 for relay services

Individuals and business owners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to support the recovery process.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.