The Florida Dental Laboratory Association (FDLA) advised its membership that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that small businesses located in the State of Florida adversely impacted by COVID-19 can now apply for disaster loans.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA is offering Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the coronavirus. 

All 67 Florida counties are included in the disaster declaration for coronavirus. Several other states also are eligible; the list can be viewed at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Declarations/Index.

"I am encouraging all small businesses located in Florida to visit the SBA Disaster Assistance website and submit your application today," says SBA South Florida District Director Victoria Guerrero. "While there, you will find information on how to contact our customer service team who can answer any disaster-related application questions. You can also reach out to one of our many resource partners for application assistance."

SBA Resource Partners information can be obtained on the SBA website at www.sba.gov/local-assistance/find/.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in economic assistance to help small businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue resulting from the disaster. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can't be paid because of the disaster's impact.

Interest rates offered are as low as 3.75 percent for businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.

To apply, visit the SBA Disaster website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

For additional information, please contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.