Disaster relief loans available for Michigan businesses hurt by lack of snow
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture declared 42 counties drought disaster areas due to lack of snow
- Small businesses in the Upper Peninsula and northern Michigan can apply for federal relief
- Businesses can apply for loans up to $2 million
Ski resorts, cozy cabins and other small businesses impacted by the lack of snow this winter can apply for federal funding from the Small Business Administration as the state is experiencing one of its warmest winters on record.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared a drought in 42 counties, and small businesses in the affected counties can apply for emergency loans from the Small Business Administration that may offset business losses.
"Michiganders are used to tough winters, but this year’s record-setting warm winter has been tough in a different way, causing economic hardships for small businesses and regional economies that rely on snow,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer in a statement.
“I know how hard this winter has been on families and communities who rely on winter tourism revenue and all the associated business that comes with it — hotels, restaurants, and shops. Fortunately, businesses in these 42 counties in the UP and the Northern Lower Peninsula can apply for support right now.”
Related:
Sault Ste. Marie, Alpena and Gaylord are among a few cities that hit record-high temperatures of over 70 degrees on Feb. 27, according to the National Weather Service.
In the case of Sault Ste. Marie, the last time temperatures in February were that high was in 1921. While the warm weather can be a break from Michigan’s harsh winters, businesses that rely on months of cold temperatures and piles of snow to make it through the season are negatively impacted.
“This has been a challenging winter all across the state but we will persevere, and even with the mild temperatures, many Michigan ski areas are still open to welcome guests,” said Mickey MacWilliams, president and executive director of the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association in a statement.
Eligible small businesses can apply for a loan of up to $2 million to help meet financial needs and won’t have to pay interest on the loan for the first year.
More information about how to apply can be found here. Business owners can also contact the Small Business Administration’s customer service center (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information about drought disaster relief.
Drought relief loan application deadlines*
Alcona – 9/26/2024
Alger – 9/26/2024
Alpena – 8/12/2024 or 9/26/2024
Antrim – 8/12/2024
Arenac – 8/12/2024
Bay – 8/12/2024
Benzie – 8/12/2024
Charlevoix – 8/12/2024
Cheboygan – 8/12/2024 or 9/26/2024
Clare – 8/12/2024
Crawford – 8/12/2024 or 9/26/2024
Delta – 9/26/2024
Dickinson – 11/27/24
Emmet – 8/12/2024
Gladwin – 8/12/2024
Gogebic – 5/13/2024
Grand Traverse – 8/12/2024
Gratiot – 8/12/2024
Iosco – 9/26/2024
Iron – 5/13/2024
Isabella – 8/12/2024
Kalkaska – 8/12/2024
Leelanau – 8/12/2024
Luce – 9/26/2024
Mackinac – 8/12/2024 or 9/26/2024
Manistee – 8/12/2024
Marquette – 9/26/2024
Mecosta – 8/12/2024
Menominee – 9/26/2024
Midland – 8/12/2024
Missaukee – 8/12/2024
Montmorency – 8/12/2024 or 9/26/2024
Ogemaw – 8/12/2024 or 9/26/2024
Ontonagon – 5/13/2024
Osceola – 8/12/2024
Oscoda – 8/12/2024 or 9/26/2024
Otsego – 8/12/2024 or 9/26/2024
Presque Isle – 8/12/2024 or 9/26/2024
Schoolcraft – 9/26/2024
Roscommon – 8/12/2024
Saginaw – 8/12/2024
*If there are two drought declarations in one county, businesses can apply before either deadline.
Business Watch
Covering the intersection of business and policy, and informing Michigan employers and workers on the long road back from coronavirus.
- About Business Watch
- Subscribe
- Share tips and questions with Bridge Business Editor Paula Gardner
Thanks to our Business Watch sponsors.
Support Bridge's nonprofit civic journalism. Donate today.
See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:
- “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
- “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
- “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.
If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!