SBA Offers Relief to Indiana Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Residents Affected by Severe Storms an
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for Indiana small businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by severe storms and flooding occurring September 17.
The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to an October 21 request received from Governor Mike Braun. The declaration covers the Indiana counties of Adams, Allen, Blackford, Grant, Huntington, Jay, and Wells, which are eligible for both physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from SBA.
Disaster Loan Assistance for Businesses and Residents
Businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind-rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.
“When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers perform an important role by assisting small businesses and their communities,” said Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery at SBA. “At these centers, our specialists help business owners and residents apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to support their recovery.”
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofits — including faith-based organizations — impacted by 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.
EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills which could not be paid due to the disaster.
Interest Rates and Loan Terms
Interest rates are as low as:
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4% for businesses
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3.625% for private nonprofits
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3% for homeowners and renters
Loan terms are available for up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement.
The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Disaster Loan Outreach Center – Wells County
Beginning Thursday, October 29, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Wells County to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, and help individuals complete their application.
Walk-ins are welcome, and in-person appointments can be scheduled in advance at appointment.sba.gov.
Wells County Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Wells County Government Annex
223 W. Washington St.
Bluffton, IN 46714
Opening Date: Thursday, October 29, at 11 a.m.
Regular Hours:
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Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
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Saturday: 8 a.m.–noon
Temporary Closures:
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Tuesday, November 3, in observance of Election Day
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Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day
Permanent Closing: Thursday, November 12, at 3:30 p.m.
How to Apply for SBA Disaster Assistance
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster.
Applicants may also contact the National Support Network Center:
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Phone: (866) SBA-HELP
For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Important Application Deadlines
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Physical Property Damage Applications: December 28, 2026
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Economic Injury Disaster Loan Applications: July 26, 2027
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, 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.
