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OCP file photo of the Hesperia Dam April 16, 2026 by Rob Alway
OCEANA COUNTY — Heavy rainfall led to historic flooding last April, causing damage and compromising structures in Oceana County and in several other Michigan communities.
In response to a Presidential disaster declaration issued in June, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the availability of low interest disaster loans for Michigan businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred April 10–21.
In addition to Oceana County, the declaration covers Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Osceola, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Washtenaw, and Wexford counties, which are eligible for both physical damage loans and economic injury disaster loans (EIDL) from the SBA.
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.
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 percent 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.
“SBA’s EIDL program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofits — including faith-based organizations — impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster,” states an SBA press release. “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 business or private nonprofit did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, accounts payable, and other bills which could not be paid due to the disaster.”
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.
The deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Aug. 31. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 30, 2027.
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