Small businesses and nonprofits in and around Mattoon still have a financial lifeline tied to last summer’s algal bloom: federal disaster loans aimed at covering income lost when the city’s water supply was contaminated. Through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, eligible organizations can apply for working capital, with the application window stretching into early August and recovery staffers already on the ground to walk applicants through the process.
SBA declaration, local recovery center and who’s covered
The U.S. Small Business Administration issued an EIDL disaster declaration for Coles County and neighboring Clark, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie and Shelby counties after drinking-water contamination that lasted from July 10 through Aug. 1, 2025, according to SBA. As part of that declaration, the agency opened a Business Recovery Center at Elevate CCIC (700 Broadway Ave. E, Space #8) in Mattoon to help business owners and nonprofit leaders complete their paperwork. Chris Stallings, associate administrator for disaster recovery, noted that SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which he called “crucial for their recovery.”
Who can apply and what the loans cover
The EIDL program is open to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit organizations, including faith-based groups, and funds can be used for payroll, fixed debts, accounts payable and other working-capital needs even if a business did not suffer physical damage, as reported by WAND-TV. Most agricultural producers are excluded from this particular aid, with the exception of aquaculture enterprises, according to the local outlet.
Terms, deadline and a 60-day late-application window
Loan amounts can go as high as $2 million, with interest rates starting around 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofits, and repayment terms that can run up to 30 years, Business Daily reported. Interest generally does not accrue and payments are deferred for the first 12 months. The deadline to file economic-injury applications tied to this declaration is Aug. 6, 2026. Applicants who miss that date should know the SBA has historically accepted late submissions for an additional 60 days, according to a review by the SBA Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG).
How to apply and where to get help
Applications can be filed through the SBA’s online portal at sba.gov/disaster, or by calling the agency’s customer-service center at (800) 659-2955 for assistance. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability can connect via their preferred relay service by dialing 7-1-1. In-person assistance is available at the Mattoon Business Recovery Center listed in the SBA notice, where staff can answer questions and help applicants upload documents.
What to do now
Businesses and nonprofits that lost revenue between July 10 and Aug. 1, 2025, during the contamination period are being urged to pull together basic financial records, payroll information and documentation of lost income to speed up review. Local officials and SBA staff are encouraging anyone who might be eligible not to wait, and to start the application process soon so lenders can assess eligibility and help stabilize day-to-day operations.
