Thursday, September 3, 2026
Daily Update on Federal Disaster Response in Northwest Indiana
As we continue through the storm recovery, I wanted to share the latest information from the U.S. Small Business Administration on assistance that is currently available to small businesses in our region.
If your business suffered physical damage, eligible businesses and private nonprofits may apply for SBA disaster loans to help repair or replace damaged real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
Even if your business did not suffer physical damage, you may still qualify for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) if the storm caused financial losses. EIDL assistance can provide working capital to help cover expenses such as payroll, fixed debts, accounts payable, and other bills that could not be paid because of the disaster.
How to Apply
A link to the declaration that includes fact sheets and other information may be found here: SBA Disaster Declaration IN-20022. Current disaster survivors can apply online for a disaster loan. You can also contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 for assistance with your application.
Before applying, it will be helpful to gather documentation of your business losses and expenses to support your application.
Important deadlines:
- October 25, 2026: Deadline to apply for physical property damage.
- May 25, 2027: Deadline to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
Please contact my Merrillville District Office at 219-795-1844 or at mrvan.house.gov if you need any assistance or should you have any questions.