SBA Opens Disaster Loans for Hurricane Isaias in Northwest Florida; Baldwin, Escambia Businesses Can Seek Economic Injury Aid
Eight Florida counties are eligible for physical and economic injury loans, while small businesses and nonprofits in four Alabama counties can apply for economic injury loans only.
PENSACOLA, Fla. — The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to residents and businesses in parts of Northwest Florida hit by Hurricane Isaias, and small businesses and nonprofits in four Alabama counties, including Baldwin and Escambia, can apply for economic injury loans under the same declaration.
Where the loans are available
The declaration covers eight Florida counties: Bay, Escambia, Holmes, Gulf, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington. In those counties, the SBA can make both physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans, known as EIDLs. Low-interest loans are available to homeowners, renters, small businesses and private nonprofit organizations, including faith-based groups.
Several neighboring counties are covered for economic injury loans only. Small businesses and most private nonprofits in these adjacent counties may apply for EIDLs:
- Florida: Calhoun, Franklin, Jackson and Liberty
- Alabama: Baldwin, Covington, Escambia and Geneva
That means Alabama homeowners and renters in those four counties cannot get SBA physical damage loans under this declaration, but eligible businesses and nonprofits can seek working-capital help.
What the loans can be used for
Physical damage loans can be used to repair or replace homes, personal property, cars, equipment, inventory and other business assets damaged by the storm. Economic injury loans help eligible small businesses and nonprofits cover working capital needs such as payroll, rent and regular bills. A business can qualify for an EIDL even if it did not suffer physical damage.
How to apply and get help in person
Applicants can apply online through the SBA’s disaster loan portal, and information is available at sba.gov/disaster. The SBA’s disaster customer service center has long listed (800) 659-2955 as its number for help completing applications.
People in the declared Florida counties can get one-on-one help at a Business Recovery Center in Escambia County. Applicants should confirm current hours and filing deadlines with the SBA when they apply.
Other help for Isaias recovery
Florida’s disaster page for the storm lists a state-funded Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, with $10 million available for short-term, zero-interest working capital loans, and an application deadline of Nov. 25, 2026. Those loans must be repaid, often with funds from federal disaster loans once approved. Small Business Development Center consultants are also available to help business owners organize records and prepare SBA applications.
On the Alabama side, the SBA program is separate from the federal major disaster declaration Gov. Kay Ivey has requested for 23 counties. As South AL News reported, Ivey sought a major disaster declaration that could open FEMA aid for local governments and, in some counties, for households. In Florida, Escambia County officials said the decision on federal aid rested with President Trump. Baldwin County’s administrator said the county was largely spared the worst of the storm; downed power lines and trees blocking roads were the main damage there.
