Governor Mike Parson directed the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and the Missouri Department of Economic Development to seek assistance for Missouri businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
According to a news release, the SBA will offer targeted, low-interest disaster-recovery loans for Missouri small businesses that have been severely impacted by economic disruptions related to the new coronavirus (COVID-19).
Through the program, businesses can receive up to $2 million in assistance to use toward fixed debt payments, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid due to the impact of COVID-19. The interest rate for small businesses will be 3.75 percent and 2.75 percent for nonprofitS.
SBA offers longterm repayment plans of up to 30 years to ensure loan payments are kept affordable. Terms are determined based on each borrower’s ability to repay on a case-by-case basis.
Additionally, SBA offers counseling and helps businesses navigate preparedness plans through a network of 68 district offices and resource partners located across the country.
For more information, contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center at (800) 659-2955 (TTY: (800) 877-8339). You can also learn more at SBA.gov/coronavirus.