Severe storms, straight-line winds and some tornadoes did considerable damage May 16 and May 17 in Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois and Indiana — and one avenue of assistance still remains for those in dire need.
During Monday night’s fiscal court meeting in Cadiz, Jackson Collier of the U.S. Small Business Administration confirmed a filing deadline for economic injury is running until February 23, 2026 — keeping the window open for the News Edge listening area counties of Caldwell, Calloway, Christian, Crittenden, Hopkins, Marshall, Stewart, Union and Webster.
These economic injury disaster loans, Collier noted, serve as working capital loans that can help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses, as well as most private non-profit organizations — and they help owners meet financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of damages.
While applicants must have an acceptable credit history and show the ability to repay all loans, Collier also noted the interest rates are affordable: 4% for businesses and small agricultural cooperatives, and 3.625% for non-profit organizations.
Benefits include:
+ Up to $2 million to meet ordinary and necessary financial obligations
+ No payment and no interest for the first 12 months
+ And no need to wait for insurance to settle before applying
In order to apply, one must have:
+ E-mail addresses and contact information
+ Social Security numbers and Employer Identification Numbers
+ Financial information, such as income and monthly expenses
+ A complete copy of the most recent federal income tax returns
+ And insurance information, if available
Judge-Executive Stan Humphries and Collier both noted that previous business in Trigg County regarding the USBA has been nothing but reliable, and that a current government shutdown shouldn’t impede potential further efforts.
Collier can be reached by email (jackson.collier@sba.gov), by phone (202-400-0083), or one can go to sba.gov/disaster.
