SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in Hilo for Storm-Impacted Businesses

Disaster news release
HI-20010-02

SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in Hilo to Help Small Businesses Impacted by March Storms

Low interest disaster loans now available Published on

April 20, 2026

by Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience WASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the opening of a Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Hawaii County to assist businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations, and residents affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides occurring March 10 – 24.

Beginning Tuesday, April 21, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Business Recovery Center in Hilo to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. Walk-ins are welcome but in-person appointments can be scheduled in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

The center’s hours of operation are as follows:

HAWAII COUNTY
Business Recovery Center
Hawaii County Office of Aging
1055 Kinoole St., Suite 101
Conference Room
Hilo, HI  96720

Opens Tuesday, April 21 at noon.

Mondays - Fridays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

“SBA’s Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Business owners can visit these centers to meet face‑to‑face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.”

Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

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

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

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

SBA representatives will also provide help to business owners and residents at disaster recovery centers when they are opened in the impacted area.

Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters with terms of 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 determines eligibility and 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.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is June 15. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 7, 2027.

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

Media contacts

Corey Williams Email corey.williams@sba.gov Phone 916-735-1500