The U.S. Small Business Administration on March 31 told the San Patricio County Commissioners Court that disaster loan assistance is available to residents, renters, nonprofits and businesses affected by the Welder Complex wildfire in early March, and urged survivors to apply before federal deadlines.

An SBA public information officer, speaking at the court’s request, said homeowners can apply for physical-damage loans up to $500,000 to repair or replace real property and that personal-property loans are available up to $100,000. Businesses are eligible for loans up to $2 million, the officer said. The officer also described mitigation loans to strengthen homes against future disasters.

The SBA representative emphasized differences between SBA loans and FEMA assistance, telling the court that FEMA provides limited emergency assistance while SBA loans can be used to restore properties to pre-disaster conditions and to cover personal-property losses not always covered by insurance. “There are a lot of misconceptions about our program,” the officer said, and “if you know somebody, have them call us.”

Key program details provided to the court:

- Homeowners’ physical-damage loans: up to $500,000.
- Personal-property loans (homeowners/tenants): up to $100,000.
- Business physical-damage loans: up to $2,000,000.
- Interest rates quoted by the SBA officer: about 2.75% for homeowners, 4% for businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits; a 12-month payment deferment was described as typical.
- Unsecured loans up to $14,000 are available in some cases; applicants may later adjust loan terms.
- Application deadlines: survivors must apply by May 19, 2025; businesses have until Dec. 19, 2025, according to the presentation.

The SBA said it was operating an in-person application center at the county fairgrounds with bilingual staff and that applicants may set appointments at appointment.sba.gov. The officer said staff will be at the fairgrounds Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., with a temporary closure April 7–9 for another event. The officer encouraged applicants to apply even if they expect insurance to pay, noting SBA can provide funds that are later offset by insurance payments.

Court members asked how the SBA was conducting outreach. Commissioner Tommy Yardley noted the need to ensure affected residents know about the program; the SBA officer said they had conducted local media interviews, coordinated with county staff and community partners, and would share contact lists where available. County staff said flyers in English and Spanish were posted on the courthouse public bulletin board and attached to the meeting agenda for public download.

The SBA presentation did not result in a court vote; the briefing was informational and the officer provided contact information and follow-up assistance options for survivors and businesses.