SBA Disaster Loans for Arkansas Storm and Flood Victims

SBA Newsroom

Published March 23rd, 2026

Detected March 24th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Arkansas that the deadline to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans for economic losses due to severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding from April 2-22, 2025, is April 22, 2026. Loans of up to $2 million are available with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits.

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What changed

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a reminder regarding the availability of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Arkansas affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred between April 2 and April 22, 2025. The declaration specifically covers Cross, Hempstead, Lawrence, and Little River counties. These low-interest loans are intended to cover working capital needs, including fixed debts, payroll, and other essential bills that could not be paid due to the disaster. Loan amounts can be up to $2 million, with interest rates starting at 4% for businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits, and repayment terms up to 30 years. Payments and interest accrual are deferred for 12 months from the first disbursement.

Eligible entities must submit their applications by April 22, 2026, although a 60-day grace period will be accepted after the deadline. The SBA encourages affected businesses and nonprofits to visit sba.gov/disaster or contact their customer service center for application assistance. This notice serves as a reminder of existing disaster relief programs and deadlines, emphasizing the importance of timely application to secure necessary financial support for recovery and to sustain local economies.

What to do next

Submit EIDL applications by April 22, 2026, or within the 60-day grace period.
Visit sba.gov/disaster for application details and online submission.
Contact SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 for further information.

Source document (simplified)

Disaster news release
AR-20029-03

SBA Relief Still Available to Arkansas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by April Storms and Flooding

Deadline to apply for economic injury loans approaching Published on

March 23, 2026

by Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience WASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Arkansas of the April 22, 2026 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding occurring April 2 – 22, 2025.

The declaration covers the Arkansas counties of Cross, Hempstead, Lawrence and Little River.

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs including faith-based organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.625% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than April 22. However, after the deadline has passed, there is a 60-day grace period in which SBA will accept applications.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Related programs: Disaster