April 15, 2021 3:40 a.m.

Small nonfarm businesses in seven Oregon counties, including Douglas, are now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans from the U.S Small Business Administration.

A release said the loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in Douglas County that began on February 15th. The neighboring counties where businesses are also eligible include Coos, Curry, Jackson, Josephine, Lane and Klamath.

SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster.

The release said small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for loans up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage.

The release said by law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. That happened on Monday of this week.

To apply or get more information, go to: https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/