Businesses get relief for heat

Small nonfarming businesses in Sutter, Yuba, Colusa and Butte counties are now eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans stemming from record-setting heat this summer.

The loans would come from the U.S. Small Business Administration and offset economic losses because of reduced revenues to farmers and ranchers. The deadline to apply is May 7, 2007.

Small businesses may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $1.5 million to help financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met of the disaster had not occurred.

For more information, call toll-free (800) 659-2955 or visit the Small Business Administration Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster.