SBA Approves Tornado Assistance for Northern Illinois

People and businesses in DeKalb and eight other northern Illinois counties now are eligible to apply for low-interest, long-term loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help them recover from the April 9 tornado.

According to a press release, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner previously submitted a request for assistance after officials surveyed damage and documented uninsured losses from the storm. That survey found 31 homes and seven businesses sustained major damages and had significant uninsured losses.

Governor Rauner says he's pleased this assistance now is available:

 “The SBA declaration will bring much-needed help to people and businesses still trying to recover from the tornado. While this disaster didn’t rise to the level needed to seek federal assistance through FEMA, we’re able to offer these programs to assist communities as they work toward recovery.”

Anyone affected by the April 9 tornadoes in DeKalb, Boone, Kane, Kendall, LaSalle, Lee, McHenry, Ogle and Winnebago Counties now is eligible to apply for a low-interest, long-term loan through the SBA.

More information about the disaster loan program and details about a Disaster Loan Outreach Center will be announced by the SBA in the near future.