Southwest Florida counties eligible for SBA loans due to freeze damages

FLORIDA, (WINK)—The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Florida. 

These loans aim to assist those who sustained economic losses due to frost and freeze from Jan. 23 to Feb. 5.

The disaster declaration covers numerous Florida counties, including Lee, Collier, and Broward, as well as some in Georgia.

Businesses and operations in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties in Southwest Florida are eligible.

Eligible entities include small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofits. 

However, the SBA cannot provide loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program offers working capital loans to cover expenses such as fixed debts, payroll, and accounts payable, even if there was no physical damage.