The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Louisiana who sustained economic losses caused by 2026 severe winter storm occurring Jan. 23-25. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Jeff Landry on Jan. 30.
The disaster declaration covers the following Louisiana parishes: Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, Catahoula, Concordia, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Red River, Richland, Tensas, Union, Webster and West Carroll as well as the Arkansas counties of Chicot, Lafayette and Miller, and the Mississippi counties of Adams, Claiborne, Issaquena, Jefferson and Warren.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs, including faith-based organizations with 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.
“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.625% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. The deadline to return economic injury applications to the SBA is Nov. 2.
To apply online or for more information, visit sba.gov/disaster.
