SBA Disaster Assistance Tops $21 Million; Economic Injury Funds Still Available for Affected Businesses

ATLANTA--(Business Wire)--
More than $21 million in U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance
Loans have been approved for disaster victims in Illinois who were affected by
the severe storms and flooding that occurred from September 13 through October
5, 2008.

"Currently, 753 disaster loans have been approved in the amount of $21,402,600
for affected victims," said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA Field Operations
Center East. "We are pleased to be able to get these loans approved so the
residents and businesses of Illinois can start rebuilding and begin resuming
their normal lives."

Small businesses and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes still
have time to submit SBA disaster loan applications for Economic Injury Disaster
Loans (EIDLs). These loans are designed to help meet working capital needs
caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available
regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage. The
filing deadline to return SBA loan applications for economic injury is July 3,
2009.

Business owners that need assistance in completing their loan application or
need assistance with other aspects of their business can utilize the services of
one of SBA`s Small Business Development Centers. Their services include:

* One-on-one business counseling and management assistance.
* Assistance with the development of business plans.
* Help accessing marketing information and the development of business plans.
* Business Financing Programs.
* Assistance with financial analysis and planning.
* Access to business education and training opportunities.
* Help in completing applications for loans from the U.S. Small Business
Administration.

"We encourage business owners, especially those that were denied disaster loans
and need help with their business, to utilize the services of our business
counselors. Our offices are spread throughout Illinois and our services are
free," said Mark A. Petrilli, State Director, Illinois Small Business
Development Center (SBDC).

For the location of the SBDC nearest you, visit the website for the Illinois
Small Business Development Centers atwww.ilsbdc.biz.

Anyone may obtain an SBA Disaster Loan application or program information by
calling the SBA`s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (or 1-800-877-8339
for the hearing impaired) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST or by emailing our customer service center at
disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications may be downloaded
from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Applications may be returned to
one of the Centers or mailed to: U. S. Small Business Administration, Processing
and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas, 76155.

Disaster victims may also apply on SBA`s secure Web site at
https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ .

For more information about the SBA`s Disaster Loan Programs, visit our website
at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Release Number: 09-197, IL 11469/11470

U.S. Small Business Administration
Michael Lampton
404-331-0333

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