ST. LOUIS — The U.S. Small Business Administration still is accepting applications for tornado recovery assistance for St. Louis renters, homeowners and businesses.
Renters are eligible for up to $100,000 for personal property replacement, including vehicles. Homeowners can access up to $500,000 to repair or rebuild their properties, plus an additional $100,000 for personal property.
Businesses and nonprofits can tap up to $2 million to rebuild or repair their properties. Applicants do not have to wait for a payout from their insurance company to benefit.
A one-year payment deferral is available for all applicants.
Tuesday is the deadline to apply for funding to repair physical damage, though the agency is offering a 60-day grace period, Public Information Officer Raenada Mason said.
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To date, the SBA has approved $19 million across 321 applications in recovery aid for victims of the May 16 tornado, Mason said.
The EF3 tornado, which had winds up to 152 mph, barreled through Clayton in St. Louis, up through North City before crossing the river into Illinois. Five people were killed and dozens injured. The storm leveled trees and homes, hitting North City particularly hard.
The SBA aid is separate from other federal funds, including assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The SBA offers low-interest loans with rates starting at 2.8% for homeowners and renters, 3.6% for nonprofits and 4% for businesses. Repayment is based on an applicant’s income.
Approval is based on an applicant’s credit, but the SBA allows those who are denied to have their applications reconsidered within six months after working with a partner program, Mason said.
Homeowners and property owners, she said, can receive an additional 20% for implementing mitigation measures against future disasters, including flooding and fire.
The SBA also is offering economic injury disaster loans for businesses that experienced a loss of revenue from the tornado. Businesses and nonprofits have until March 9, 2026, to apply.
Applicants are encouraged to apply in person at any of the following locations:
- Urban League, 4401 Natural Bridge Avenue; 8 a.m to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
- Union Tabernacle Church, 626 North Newstead Avenue; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday
- The Harrison Center at St. Louis Community College, 3140 Cass Avenue (Room 107); 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday
- The Mid-County Library branch, 7821 Maryland Avenue; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday
- Florissant Valley branch, 195 South New Florissant Road; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday
