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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Dale Lueck (R)

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Disaster assistance program available for small businesses

Monday, March 23, 2020

ST. PAUL –  State Rep. Dale Lueck, R-Aitkin, urges Minnesota small-business owners who are facing economic challenges during the COVID-19 outbreak to consider seeking relief through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Loan Assistance Program.

Minnesota is among states where the federal SBA’s low-interest loans are available to cover small-business operating expenses after a disaster declaration was issued.

“Small businesses across Minnesota are facing some very tough challenges as the level of commerce is constrained by the measures necessary to combat the coronavirus outbreak,” Lueck said. “Each business will have to determine what course of action is best to meet their needs, but the SBA’s Disaster Loan Assistance Program is a tool to consider.”

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) indicates this program can provide low-interest loans of up to $2 million to small businesses and private non-profits. These loans can go toward working capital to meet needs including payroll, accounts payable, and fixed debt payments that can’t be paid due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Long-term repayment options of up to a maximum of 30 years are available at 3.75% interest, and at 2.75% interest for non-profits. Businesses can defer payments for the first four months and it is recommended owners apply online at sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.

Loans can be directly dispersed within three weeks. Businesses will need to gather their tax statements from last year, in addition to providing financial information to show current and expected business losses. 

Questions can be directed to the SBA Hotline at 1-800-659-2955. More information from Minnesota’s DEED can be found at https://mn.gov/deed/.

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