Businesses in Fairfield and Litchfield counties face a June 4 deadline to file “economic injury” loans to cover costs incurred by the April nor”™easter.
The federal government declared Connecticut a disaster area following the storm, a designation that allows local government and non-profit agencies to seek reimbursement for costs they incurred.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell said she is appealing to have residents and businesses statewide apply for relief, saying they sustained the large part of an estimated $43 million in losses.
Because Fairfield and Litchfield counties are adjacent to New York counties that received a disaster designation, businesses are allowed to seek economic injury loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Small businesses may qualify for loans up to $1.5 million at 4 percent interest for up to 30 years. The SBA determines eligibility for the program based on the size and type of business and its financial resources.
Loan applications can be obtained at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or by calling (800) 659-2955 (hearing impaired: 800-877-8339) weekdays between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
