Florida is parched and in the midst of the most widespread and severe droughts since 2012. It is fueled by persistent high-pressure systems and historic rainfall deficits.

For a state that is near the top for specialty produce, citrus and ornamental plants, this can spell disaster.

That’s why the U.S. Small Business Administration is rolling out low-interest disaster loans to small businesses and private, nonprofit organizations in Florida that have sustained financial losses since the drought began in December.

Counties within WGCU’s airwaves that are eligible to apply are Charlotte; Collier; DeSoto; Glades; Hendry; Highlands; Lee; Okeechobee and Sarasota.

The government is also offering Economic Injury Disaster loans to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, private-non-profits including faith-based organizations that have suffered financially.

Loans can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as four percent for small businesses. The rate is even lower at 3.6 percent for private nonprofits.

To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

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