Governor Kristi Noem announced Friday that small businesses and non-profit organizations in South Dakota that have been negatively impacted by the global COVID-19 virus are now eligible for economic assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Noem said that both the state’s Office of Economic Development and the Department of Tourism have been working to survey companies and determine the impact of COVID-19 on the small business community.  Anyone whose business is impacted by COVID-19 should contact either the state’s GOED or Tourism offices for more information.

SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to two million dollars in assistance per small business and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

Small businesses can learn more about the program and apply for financial assistance at www.sba.gov/disaster or call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955.

Small businesses with questions about this SBA loan program or other assistance provided at the state-level can call 605-773-4633 to speak directly with a GOED representative. Businesses can also stay informed on news and guidance related to COVID-19 and its impact on South Dakota by visiting the state’s dedicated coronavirus website at COVID.sd.gov.