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NEWS RELEASE: SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Hawaii Small Businesses

September 15, 2021

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency

DAVID Y. IGE

GOVERNOR

MAJOR GENERAL KENNETH S. HARA

DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

LUKE P. MEYERS

ADMINISTRATOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

For Immediate Release

September 15, 2021

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Hawaii Small Businesses

HONOLULU – Small nonfarm businesses in Honolulu County are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in Honolulu County that began July 20, 2021.

“What is clear is that the effects of climate change can be seen abroad and yet felt very close to home. These monies can prove to be an indispensable aid for the struggling small businesses on Oahu affected by the drought,” said Hawaii Emergency Management Agency Administrator Luke Meyers.

Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on Sept. 10, 2021.

Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Service Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected]v for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The deadline to apply for economic injury is May 10, 2022.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. 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.