Deadline close for Ernesto business loans

The deadline to apply for business loans to recover from Tropical Storm Ernesto is in just a few hours.

Gov. Mike Easley is reminding victims of the storm last August of the 9 p.m. cutoff for business loan applications.

Nine counties, including Pender County, are eligible. Economic injury loans can provide up to $1.5 million for small businesses unable to provide for their own recoveries.

To get a loan application, contact the small business administration's customer serve center by calling 1-800-659-2955 between 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

You may also contact disaster customer service or download an application online at http://www.sba.gov.

To download an application visit http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance