Today, Congressman Patrick McHenry announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has made federal economic injury disaster loans available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes located in Avery and Mitchell counties.

The SBA has determined that there were significant financial losses suffered by local small businesses resulting from the drought of 2008.  Eligible small businesses and non-profit organizations may qualify for loans up to $2 million.  These loans are available at a 4 percent interest rate with loan terms up to 30 years.  The SBA determines eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources.

Disaster victims should contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired) or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.  Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA’s website www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.  Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925, Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.  Victims may also visit SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply.

Completed loan applications must be returned to SBA no later than August 10, 2009.
 

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