The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit organizations of the deadline to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans.

These low-interest loans are available to eligible small businesses, private nonprofits, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and small aquaculture enterprises that suffered economic losses due to the drought that began on July 16, 2024.

The loans are intended to support working capital needs, such as covering payroll, accounts payable and other bills that businesses couldn’t pay because of the disaster — even if they didn’t experience any physical damage.

Eligible areas include the Pennsylvania counties of Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland.

Loan amounts can reach up to $2 million, with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for nonprofits. Terms can extend up to 30 years, and no interest or payments are required for the first 12 months after disbursement. Loan terms are determined based on the applicant’s financial condition.

The deadline to apply for federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans is May 9.

To apply, visit sba.gov/disaster, call 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.