Two Oklahoma Counties Eligible For SBA Aid

Sunday, October 29th 2006, 9:26 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Small businesses in two southern Oklahoma counties that have been affected by the lingering drought can now apply for low-interest disaster loans from the US Small Business Administration.

SBA officials say small businesses in Bryan and Choctaw counties in Oklahoma and 18 counties in Texas may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $1.5-million.

The money can be used to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching aren't eligible for SBA disaster assistance. That kind of aid is available through the US Department of Agriculture.

Officials say, however that in drought disasters, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster aid.

The deadline to apply for the loans is June 12th.