LANSING, MI - On July 11, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has granted an administrative declaration of disaster for Kalamazoo County. The SBA disaster assistance program will make low-interest loans available to residents and businesses affected by severe storms and tornadoes on May 7. This is the first use of an SBA rapid declaration nationwide since the path became available in January, highlighting Michigan as a leading state in the nation for recovery efforts.   

“Today’s SBA rapid declaration-the first ever-will provide the resources and support Michiganders in Kalamazoo County need to recover from May’s severe storms and tornadoes,” said Governor Whitmer. “Rebuilding efforts are already underway, and these loans will support a lot of good, ongoing work as we continue to move forward. I am proud we are staying proactive and grateful to the SBA for their speed and professionalism. Michiganders are strong, and we will get through this together.”  

The SBA disaster assistance program provides low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory, and business assets that were damaged or destroyed. The SBA tailors the repayment of each disaster loan to the borrower’s financial capability. This declaration covers Kalamazoo County and adjacent counties, including Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, St. Joseph, and Van Buren.  

“Communities across Kalamazoo County have shown incredible resiliency in the wake of the devastating May 7 tornadoes and storms,” said U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga. "Nevertheless, it is clear that additional federal resources are needed and deserved, which is why I’m glad to see the SBA Rapid Disaster Declaration approved as a next step towards recovery for local businesses. I eagerly await the Biden Administration’s decision on our request for a Major Disaster Declaration to allow more robust assistance to the families and individuals impacted by these terrible storms.”  

"From the moment these tornadoes and severe storms hit our communities, I have been working with the governor and other local, state and federal officials to provide swift relief and support for everyone affected," said state Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). "With the recent funding we were able to secure in our state budget and today's major announcement of assistance from the Small Business Administration, we are continuing to do everything we can to help our residents, business owners and communities rebuild, recover and come back stronger than ever." 

"The terrible storms in May caused an incredible amount of damage in Kalamazoo County. I am extremely grateful for the immediate action of our local first responders to help our residents in whatever ways they could. However, recovery efforts for residents and local businesses are ongoing,” said state Representative Christine Morse (D-Texas Township). “I would like to express my immense gratitude on behalf of the 40th District to the SBA for their quick decision-making in delivering this disaster assistance. The SBA’s support is critical to helping our residents recover from these disasters as soon as possible.”    

"Our Kalamazoo community has been resilient as we continue to rebuild and recover from the damage caused by the strong storms and tornadoes in May,” said state Representative Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo). “I am very grateful for the immediate response from first responders and the state and federal government agencies that provided relief to our residents. As we continue to move forward, I am thankful for the Small Business Administration’s disaster assistance for our community. Their quick action will go a long way in helping our residents rebuild and return to their everyday lives.” 

The SBA may establish a temporary Disaster Loan Outreach Center in the impacted area for one-on-one assistance. Loan applications are also available online or by mail. For additional information on low-interest SBA loans or the disaster assistance loan application process, visit the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955.   

About the Disaster: On May 7, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes struck the southwest part of the state. The storm system resulted in roughly sixteen injuries, and caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and the power grid. Hail ranging from one to four inches in diameter was also reported along with dangerous straight-line winds. Debris removal and other storm related clean-up has lasted several weeks. Much of the damage was centered in Kalamazoo County.  

On June 6, Governor Whitmer requested a Presidential disaster declaration through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the State of Michigan in response to the May 7 storms, seeking activation of all Individual Assistance programs for especially impacted areas within Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch, and Cass counties. While that process is still underway and the state awaits the FEMA decision, Governor Whitmer on July 5 requested a rapid declaration through a path that SBA has only made available starting this past January. The new path allows SBA to provide low-interest loans where appropriate without having to await the full completion of the FEMA request process. With today’s announcement, Michigan becomes the first state to take full advantage of this path.  

For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready or follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS.