Buckeye Reporter

Small businesses in Ohio affected by the recent drought have access to federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the Small Business Administration. This program supports eligible farm-related and non-farm-related entities that have experienced financial difficulties due to the drought, which started on August 20, 2024.

The loans offer up to $2 million with an interest rate of 4% for small businesses and terms extending to 30 years. Notably, interest does not accrue, and no payments are required until one year after the first loan disbursement.

The loans are available to businesses located in the primary counties of Athens, Belmont, Fairfield, Fayette, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Vinton, and Washington in Ohio. Businesses in the adjacent counties of Adams, Brown, Carroll, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Columbiana, Coshocton, Franklin, Greene, Lawrence, Licking, Meigs, Scioto, Tuscarawas, and Union may also apply.

Applications can be submitted online at SBA.gov/disaster with a submission deadline of April 28, 2025.