The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Missouri that financial relief remains available following severe storms that struck the region on April 29, 2025. Eligible organizations have until March 23, 2026 to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans designed to help offset economic losses caused by the storms.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofits, including faith-based organizations, that experienced financial impacts from the severe weather. The storms brought tornadoes, straight-line winds, heavy rain, large hail, flooding, and flash flooding across parts of Missouri and neighboring areas.
Unlike some disaster assistance programs, EIDL funding is available even for organizations that did not experience physical property damage. The loans are intended to help businesses and nonprofits cover working capital needs and maintain operations during recovery. Funds may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses that could not be met because of the disaster.
Loan amounts can reach up to $2 million, with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofit organizations. Loan terms may extend up to 30 years depending on the applicant’s financial condition. Interest does not accrue and payments are not required until 12 months after the first loan disbursement.
The disaster declaration applies to several Missouri counties, including Barry, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Greene, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Polk, Stone, and Webster, as well as Cherokee County in Kansas and Ottawa County in Oklahoma.
The SBA encourages eligible organizations to submit applications before the March 23 deadline, although the agency allows a 60-day grace period for late submissions after the deadline has passed.
Applications can be completed online through the SBA’s disaster assistance portal at sba.gov/disaster. Additional information is available through the SBA’s customer service center by phone or email.
By offering access to working capital during recovery, the SBA aims to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations stabilize operations and support local economic recovery in communities affected by last year’s severe storms.