SBA Grants Disaster Loans Northern Michigan Ice Storm Damage

The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved an administrative disaster declaration for Cheboygan County and six adjacent counties in Northern Michigan, unlocking low-interest loans to aid recovery from the historic March ice storm that caused widespread damage and power outages. Governor Gretchen Whitmer emphasized the collaborative effort among local leaders and federal partners to provide relief and support rebuilding efforts, highlighting the SBA loans as critical for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits to repair or replace damaged property and assets. U.S. Senator Gary Peters, who led a bipartisan call for the declaration, expressed relief that affected Michiganders will receive much-needed support, while Representative Jack Bergman noted that further work remains to ensure comprehensive community recovery. The SBA will establish Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in the affected areas to assist applicants, with loan options including home disaster loans, business physical disaster loans, and economic injury disaster loans to cover various recovery needs. This declaration follows significant disruption to lives and livelihoods from the ice storm that blocked roads and downed power lines across hundreds of miles. The coordinated response underscores the commitment to helping Northern Michigan communities rebuild stronger after this unprecedented event.