Press Release: SBA Disaster Declaration

October 4, 2025

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for Minnesota businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by the severe storms and high winds occurring June 21. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Tim Walz on Sept. 30, 2025.

Businesses and private 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. 

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. 

Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage. 

The Disaster Loan Outreach Center is located at Bemidji Fire Station #2, located at 312 Lake Ave SE, Bemidji. Please use the back entrance where the parking lot is located. Do not park in front of garage doors to maintain access for fire apparatus. The Center is open starting October 4 until October 18, 2025 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm and Saturdays from 10am-2pm. The Center will be closed on October 13 for the holiday.

Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan. 

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 Dec. 1, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 2, 2026.

-Christopher Muller, Emergency Management Director