LANSING, Mich. -- The U.S. Small Business Administration has declared an administrative disaster for Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph Counties following the deadly March 6 tornado outbreak according to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The SBA disaster assistance program makes low-interest loans available to those affected by the outbreak.

“Following deadly tornadoes in Southwestern Michigan, communities are working hard to rebuild,” said Whitmer. “We’re working side by side with them every step of the way to deliver real relief. This SBA declaration will help us connect communities and small businesses with the resources they need to get back on their feet. Michiganders are strong, and we will get through this. Let’s keep doing the work together to make a difference.” 

State officials note those eligible include homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory, and business assets that were damaged or destroyed.

The SBA bases repayment of each loan on the borrower's financial capability.

Eligible counties include Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph Counties along with the bordering counties of Berrien, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren. 

Types of disaster loans are available:

• Business Physical Disaster Loans- Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible. 
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans- Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period. 
• Home Disaster Loans- Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles. 

SBA disaster loan outreach centers:

• Cass District Library, 319 M-62 North Cassopolis, MI 49031, Monday – Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday: Closed
• St. Joseph County, 52 N. Main Street Three Rivers, MI 49093, Monday – Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday: Closed
• Branch District Library, 195 N. Broadway Street Union City, MI 49094, Monday: 1-5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Sunday: Closed 

Loan applications are available online or by mail. You can find more information on low-interest SBA loans or the application process through the MySBA Loan Portal or by calling 1-800-659-2955.