Certain agribusiness activities may be eligible for assistance through the SBA's primary business loan program. There are a number of small business loan programs that address specific needs.

Services available through the SBA include:

• Free counseling, advice and information on starting a business through the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE).
• Financial assistance for new or existing businesses through guaranteed loans made by area bank and non-bank lenders.
• Free consulting services through the network of Small Business Development Centers. SBDCs also conduct training events throughout the district - some require a nominal registration fee.
• Assistance to businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals through the Minority Enterprise Development Program.
• Women's Business Ownership Representatives are available to advise women business owners.
• Special loan programs are available for businesses involved in international trade.
• If you're a credit-worthy veteran, you can get a guaranteed loan. A Veterans Affairs Officer is available to assist you.

If you are in a declared disaster area and are the victim of a disaster, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration - even if you don't own a business. As a homeowner, renter and/or personal-property owner, you may apply to the SBA for a loan to help you recover from a disaster.

Personal Property Loan: This loan can provide a homeowner or renter with up to $40,000 to help repair or replace personal property, such as clothing, furniture, automobiles, etc., lost in the disaster. As a rule of thumb, personal property is anything that is not considered real estate or a part of the actual structure. This loan may not be used to replace extraordinarily expensive or irreplaceable items, such as antiques, collections, pleasure boats, recreational vehicles, fur coats, etc.

Real Property Loan: A homeowner may apply for a loan of up to $200,000 to repair or restore their primary home to its pre-disaster condition. The loan may not be used to upgrade the home or make additions to it. If, however, city or county building codes require structural improvements, the loan may be used to meet these requirements. Loans may be increased by as much as 20 percent to protect the damaged real property from possible future disasters of the same kind.