Get an SBA disaster loan

When a disaster is federally declared, the SBA offers low-interest disaster loans directly to businesses — to repair the physical damage and to cover the income you lost even if your building was untouched. These are some of the most affordable recovery dollars available, and applying early matters because funds and processing move with demand. It's a lifeline many owners don't know exists.

Do this

1. Know the two kinds: physical-disaster loans (repair/replace damaged property) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for lost income.
2. Check for a declaration: after major disasters, the SBA opens applications for the affected area — apply at sba.gov/disaster.
3. Apply early, even if you're not sure of the total — you can accept less than offered, and early applicants move faster.
4. Line up your records: the tax returns, financials, and damage documentation the application needs (see Bizer's Capital tool).

SBA disaster loans in plain English

After a federally declared disaster, the SBA lends DIRECTLY to businesses — often the cheapest recovery money available:

PHYSICAL DISASTER LOAN Repair or replace damaged real estate, equipment, inventory, fixtures. Even available to renters for their contents. ECONOMIC INJURY (EIDL) Covers working capital you lost because of the disaster — bills you can't pay because revenue stopped — even if your building was fine.

HOW TO MOVE 1. Confirm your area has an SBA disaster declaration (sba.gov/disaster). 2. Apply early — don't wait for a total; funds & processing track demand. 3. Have tax returns, financials, and damage docs ready. 4. You can accept part of what's offered; you're not locked in by applying.

Bizer's Capital tool (/capital) helps you organize the records lenders and the SBA ask for. Your SBDC advisor can help you apply — free.