Over $6.4 Million in SBA Relief Approved to Assist Wisconsin Rebuild Affected by Adverse Weather Critical financial support still available as recovery efforts continue!

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $6.4 million in federal disaster loans to support Wisconsin businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding and mudslides occurring Aug. 9-12, 2025. As of Sept. 30, 2025, the SBA has provided over $6.1 million to residents and $317,500 to businesses in the wake of this disaster.

“Surpassing $6.4 million in disaster loans reflects more than just numbers — it represents small businesses reopening, families returning home and communities rebuilding more effectively,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator for the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. “These loans provide vital support for recovery, and we encourage anyone still in need to apply before the deadline.”

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is still available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the 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.

Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, regarding landscaping for better drainage, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 3% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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.