Businesses, homeowners and renters in Howell County and surrounding areas who were affected by spring storms are now eligible for low-interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open in West Plains today to provide in-person assistance. The declaration is specifically for damage from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred from March 30 through April 8, 2025. Damage from the March 14 and 15 tornadoes is not included in this declaration.
The DRCs are staffed by representatives from FEMA and the SBA who can help residents apply for assistance, answer questions, and upload required documents.
SBA disaster assistance is available to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters.
- Business Physical Disaster Loans: Businesses and nonprofits may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate, machinery, equipment, and inventory.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Small businesses and nonprofits may apply for up to $2 million in working capital to help meet financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. EIDLs are available even if the business did not suffer physical damage.
- Home & Property Loans: Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property, including vehicles.
Interest rates can be as low as 4% for businesses and 2.75% for homeowners and renters. A major benefit of the SBA loans is that interest does not begin to accrue and payments are not due for 12 months.
- Physical and Economic Loans: Residents and businesses in Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Shannon, Carter, Reynolds, Ripley and Wayne counties are eligible to apply.
- Economic Injury (EIDL) Only: Businesses in the contiguous counties of Dent, Douglas and Taney are also eligible.
The deadline to apply for physical damage is Dec. 22. The deadline for economic injury is July 22, 2026.
It is not necessary to visit a DRC to apply.
- Online: sba.gov/disaster
- Phone: 800-659-2024
- In-Person: Visit a local DRC.
- Location: West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St., West Plains
- Hours:
Today: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Location: Carter County Courthouse, 1122 Main St., Van Buren
- Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Location: Ripley County Caring Community Partnership, 209 W. Highway, Doniphan
- Hours:
Today: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
