Chamber News

SBA Disaster Loans Available

October 8th, 2026

If your business, home, or personal property was affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, and landslides between August 10 and August 22, 2026, you may qualify for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

A federal major disaster declaration issued on October 2, 2026, makes assistance available in the following counties.

WHO CAN APPLY

In Clermont, Franklin, Hamilton, Licking, Morgan, Muskingum, and Perry counties:

  • Homeowners and renters may apply for physical damage loans.
  • Businesses and eligible private nonprofits may apply for physical damage loans.
  • Eligible small businesses and private nonprofits may also apply for economic injury loans, even without physical property damage.

Economic injury loans only are available to eligible small businesses and private nonprofits in these additional counties:

  • Ohio: Athens, Brown, Butler, Clinton, Coshocton, Delaware, Fairfield, Guernsey, Hocking, Knox, Madison, Noble, Pickaway, Union, Warren, and Washington
  • Indiana: Dearborn and Franklin
  • Kentucky: Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Kenton, and Pendleton

APPLICATION DEADLINES

  • Physical damage loans: December 1, 2026
  • Economic injury loans: July 2, 2027

INTEREST RATES

  • Homeowners: as low as 3%
  • Businesses: as low as 4%
  • Private nonprofits: 3.625%

Rates and eligibility depend on the loan type and the applicant’s access to credit elsewhere.

HOW TO APPLY

Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability can dial 7-1-1 for telecommunications relay services.

If you were affected, we encourage you to explore your options and apply before the applicable deadline. Please share this information with employees, neighbors, and other businesses that may need assistance.

Andy Hardy
Vice President of Government Relations
andyhardy@columbus.org