Small businesses with essential employees called to active duty may still apply for Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. For the past two years, the MREIDL program has provided loans to cover operating costs that cannot be met due to the loss of a key employee called to active duty in the reserves or National Guard.
Small businesses may apply for loans of up to $1.5 million. These working capital loans cannot be used to refinance debt or expand the business. The current interest rate is 3.1%, with a maximum term of 30 years. The SBA determines the amount of economic injury, the term of each loan, and the payment amount based on the borrower's financial circumstances. The MREIDL filing period ends 90 days after the date the business owner or key employee is discharged from active duty. To download an application, visit the Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster.
