Following the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has responded promptly to support affected Mid-Atlantic small businesses. SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced the availability of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help these businesses recover from the economic impact of the incident. 

What locations are covered?

This initiative comes in response to a disaster declaration request by Maryland Governor Wes Moore. The covered area includes the state of Maryland and the following surrounding areas:

• The District of Columbia.
• Counties of Kent, New Castle, and Sussex in Delaware.
• Adams, Bedford, Chester, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Lancaster, Somerset, and York counties in Pennsylvania.
• Independent City of Alexandria, Accomack, Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties in Virginia.
• The counties of Berkley, Grant, Hampshire, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan, and Preston in West Virginia. 

How much are the Loans?

The EIDLs offer up to $2 million in aid for eligible small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses, and private nonprofit organizations. These low-interest, long-term loans are designed to assist with covering operational expenses disrupted by the bridge collapse. With interest rates set at 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for private nonprofit organizations, the loans have terms of up to 30 years, emphasizing support for those significantly affected by the event. Loan interest and repayment are deferred for the first 12 months to alleviate immediate financial pressure. EIDL assistance is available only to small businesses when SBA determines they are unable to obtain credit elsewhere.

How do I apply?

Businesses in need can apply for these loans online at sba.gov/disaster, with the application deadline set for December 30, 2024. For further assistance, the SBA’s Customer Service Center can be contacted at (800) 659-2955 or via email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. 

Visit the SBA website for the most up-to-date information: Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse.