Deadline for SBA Drought Loans for Kaua‘i County Small Non-farm Businesses Coming Up

The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency is reminding small non-farm businesses in Kaua‘i County they have less than a month to apply for U.S. Small Business Administration, or SBA, drought loans.

The disaster loans are for economic injury resulting from the drought that began in Sept. 28, 2021. The deadline to apply for the low-interest loans is July 19, 2022.

Small non-farm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million.

Director Tanya N. Garfield of the SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West said in a news release issued Tuesday that the loans may be used to pay for fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact.

“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage,” Garfield stated.

The interest rate for businesses is 2.855%. The interest rate for private nonprofit organizations is 2%. Terms of up to 30 years are available. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and based on each applicant’s final condition.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional assistance or download forms here. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.