WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced today that the Small Business Administration (SBA) is making federal economic injury disaster loans available for two counties in southwest Ohio. The loans will be available to homeowners, renters, and small business owners in Butler and Hamilton Counties who have been economically impacted as a result of the severe flooding from April 1- July 7, 2011. 

“This is an important step in the recovery efforts from this year’s flooding,” Brown said. "I will continue working to ensure adequate state and federal resources are available to rebuild southwest Ohio. These funds will help small businesses and homeowners who have been affected by the flooding get back on their feet.”

Business owners and most non-profits experiencing financial hardship as a direct result of the storm in southwest Ohio may qualify for the SBA’s Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage. Ohioans who qualify will be eligible for loans up to $2 million with interest rates of 3 percent for non-profit organizations and 4 percent for businesses. All disaster victims must apply by the June 12, 2012.

Ohioans seeking disaster loan information and application forms can call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET, or send an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.  Loan application forms can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155.

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