Maryland Governor Seeks SBA Disaster Loans for Anne Arundel
Governor Wes Moore requested a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster declaration on July 9, 2026, to provide low-interest loans to small businesses
Governor Wes Moore has formally asked the U.S. Small Business Administration for a disaster declaration to aid small businesses impacted by the Empire Tower structural emergency in Anne Arundel County. The request, made on July 9, 2026, seeks to unlock SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for affected owner-operators.
Governor Moore stated that local businesses have been profoundly affected by the July incident. He described the affected small businesses, which include medical clinics, insurance agencies, commercial cleaning services, and training services, as the backbone of the community. The requested declaration aims to give owners immediate access to low-cost funding with zero initial payments to help them handle economic hardship and rebuild.
State and County Coordination
The Maryland Department of Emergency Management has been coordinating with Anne Arundel County to provide support throughout the incident. Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russell Strickland called the situation unusual and complex. He noted that county government has worked hard to meet needs and that the SBA loans requested by Governor Moore will be an important resource for small businesses trying to weather the situation.
Loan Program Details
An SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration provides financial recovery support for affected small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofit organizations. The assistance is available even if a business did not suffer any physical property damage. The program's key features include working capital support for ordinary operating expenses like payroll, fixed debts, and rent.
The loans come with favorable terms designed to aid recovery.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum Loan Amount | Up to $2 million |
| Interest Rates | As low as 4% for small businesses |
| Loan Term | Up to 30 years |
| Initial Payment Deferral | 12 months with no accruing interest |
Path to Recovery
The Moore-Miller administration says it remains fully committed to supporting local business owners and ensuring they have the necessary resources. The SBA disaster loan program represents a critical step, offering deferred payments where interest does not accrue and payments are not required during the first year after loan disbursement. This provides breathing room for businesses ranging from medical clinics to training services as they work to rebuild.
