Disaster Recovery Assistance for Impacted Businesses

Disaster Recovery Assistance for Impacted Businesses Available Now: Apply by September 8.

If your business was damaged in the June 11, 2026 severe storms and tornadoes in Cook County, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can help. The SBA has approved a disaster declaration, opening access to low-interest loans to cover damages insurance didn’t cover.

Businesses can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace buildings, equipment, inventory and other business assets. Interest rates start at 4%, with repayment terms up to 30 years. Businesses won’t make any payments for the first 12 months after receiving their loan.

Applicants can also get up to 20% more to make their business more storm-resistant, such as installing wind-rated doors or reinforcing their structure. Having insurance doesn’t disqualify anyone from applying, and applying for a loan doesn’t mean a business has to take it. Businesses that had no physical damage but lost income can apply for economic injury assistance too.

The deadline to apply for physical damage to your business is Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Businesses applying under the economic injury deadline have until April 12, 2027.

Resources are also available for Cook County businesses and residents impacted by the July 27, 2026 severe storms. Don’t wait to see if you qualify; learn more and apply at sba.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955