Governor Whitmer Requests SBA Resources to Support Recovery from April Severe Weather and Flooding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 25 2026

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Governor Whitmer Requests SBA Resources to Support Recovery from April Severe Weather and Flooding

SBA would support communities while the federal government reviews state request for FEMA funding

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer requested the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) make low-interest loans available to residents, businesses, and non-profits in the wake of statewide flooding this year.

While awaiting a decision on her presidential declaration request to provide FEMA funding, the Governor asked that SBA issue a Rapid Administrative Disaster Declaration for Barry, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Gratiot, Kalkaska, Montcalm, Newaygo, Osceola, Presque Isle, and Wexford counties after multiple rounds of severe spring storms brought tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and torrential rainfall across much of the state.

"Communities across Michigan are still rebuilding from devastating storms and flooding this spring," said Governor Whitmer. "While we wait for a decision on our request for federal disaster assistance, this SBA declaration would provide important financial relief to support ongoing recovery efforts for families, businesses, and neighborhoods across Michigan. Let's keep working together to help Michigan communities recover."

"Michiganders affected by the devastating storms we saw in April need all the assistance they can get to restore their livelihoods," said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. "I'm calling on the Small Business Administration to swiftly approve this disaster declaration request so that the people and businesses across our great state can more easily rebuild and recover."

"The recent floods in Michigan were devastating for so many families and communities, and it was especially damaging for so many small businesses that lack the financial protection to quickly recover and rebuild," said U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell. "The federal government must stand by Michiganders and our small businesses seeking to recover from this disaster. We cannot leave any person, family, or small business behind."

"Michigan families are still reeling from the impacts of extreme weather across our state in April. The results are clear: Michiganders are going to need federal help to rebuild and recover," said U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens. "I urge the federal government to swiftly approve Michigan's request for SBA assistance, and I'd like to thank Governor Whitmer for her steadfast leadership on behalf of the state of Michigan."

"It is critical that small businesses affected by the historic spring flooding across Michigan receive the support they need as they work to rebuild," said U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar. "As the State awaits a response from FEMA on the Governor's request for a presidential disaster declaration, I support its request for the Small Business Administration to step in and provide resources for small business owners to help recover their losses."

On June 5, 2026, Governor Whitmer requested a presidential disaster declaration to activate Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance for 37 counties and Public Assistance programs for 26 counties affected by severe storms and flooding. More than 20 days have passed since the request was submitted, and the state has not yet received a determination from FEMA.

Because a determination on the presidential disaster declaration remains pending, the governor is requesting an SBA Rapid Administrative Disaster Declaration to make additional recovery assistance available to eligible survivors as quickly as possible.

If granted, the SBA disaster assistance program provides low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. Repayment terms are tailored to each borrower's financial circumstances.

About the Disaster

From April 10-21, 2026, Michigan experienced multiple rounds of severe weather that produced thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across much of the state. The storms brought tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail and torrential rain, with the most significant impacts occurring April 13-18.

During April, the National Weather Service issued a record 13 flash flood warnings, 24 flood warnings and 25 flood advisories in Michigan. The storms affected residents statewide, with 42 counties reporting damage.

For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit https://www.michigan.gov/miready or follow MSP/EMHSD on X at @MichEMHS.

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