The Small Business Administration said it backed $56 billion in financing to small businesses and disaster-affected areas during the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, up 7% from a year prior.

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced Wednesday that businesses and residents in eight additional counties plus the City of Radford are now eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans to assist in disaster recovery.

The Small Business Administration will offer $30 million in grant funding for Women’s Business Centers for a variety of projects, including funding to open a center in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced loans are available for farmers or businesses that the drought has hurt.

Small businesses and agricultural cooperatives could soon see some help from the U.S. Small Business Administration in the form of disaster loans.

Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center has been there for local businesses every step of the way with free help on loan assistance applications and other resources. Another huge resource available is the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Business Week. Throughout the three days, the U.S. Small Business Administration will recognize national award winners, name the 2020 National Small Business Person of the Year and most importantly, host discussions and panels with industry experts. “Particularly in our region, small businesses are the heart of our communities and they employ the majority of people. To register for National Small Business Week click here.