SBA Opens Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Chicago

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the opening of a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Cook County to assist businesses, private nonprofit organizations, and residents affected by severe storms occurring July 27.

Beginning Friday, Aug. 21,SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Cook County to answer questions about SBA's disaster loan program, explain the application process, and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are welcome, and you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

The hours of operation are listed below:

COOK COUNTY

Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Pullman Branch Chicago Public Library

11001 S. Indiana Ave.

Chicago, IL 60628

Opened at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21

Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday, noon- 8 p.m.

Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Closes permanently at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4

"When disasters strike, SBA's Disaster Loan Outreach Centers perform an important role by assisting small businesses and their communities," said Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the U.S. Small Business Administration. "At these centers, our SBA specialists help business owners and residents apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to support their recovery."

Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

The SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofits - including faith-based organizations - impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or private nonprofit did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills which could not be paid due to the disaster.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters with terms of up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. 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, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Oct. 19. The deadline to return economic injury applications is May 18, 2027.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.