Loans with low interest are now being offered for numerous East Texas counties affected by recent natural disasters, made available by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These loans will be for small businesses, nonprofits, and residents who suffered physical damage and economic loss from the recent storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that happened on April 4. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Texas Governor Greg Abbott on April 17.
The disaster declaration covers the Texas counties of Bowie, Camp, Cass, Marion, Morris, Red River, Titus, and Upshur.
Businesses and nonprofits eligible can apply for ‘business physical disaster loans’ and can borrow up to $2-million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, or other business assets.
Homeowners and renters who are eligible can apply for ‘home and personal property loans’. Up to $100,000 can be borrowed to replace or repair personal property. This includes clothes, furniture, cars, and appliances. They can also get up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
There is also a loan increase of up to 20% for mitigation purposes. These kinds of improvements would include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows.
As of Wednesday, April 23, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their applications. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at www. appointment.sba. gov.
The deadline to return physical damage applications is June 20. The deadline to return economic injury applications is January 21, 2026.
