Illinois Secures SBA Disaster Loans for Kankakee Tornado Victims

Governor Pritzker announces federal aid for homeowners, renters, and businesses impacted by March storms.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:30pm

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A vast, dramatic landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and gold, depicting a tornado-ravaged rural scene shrouded in heavy storm clouds and dramatic backlighting. The sweeping, atmospheric composition dwarfs any physical structures or debris, conveying the overwhelming power of the natural disaster.A sublime, atmospheric landscape captures the raw power of the tornado that devastated Kankakee County, underscoring the critical need for disaster relief aid.Aroma Park Today

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster declaration for the tornado and severe storms that hit Kankakee County on March 10-11, 2026. This declaration will allow residents and businesses in the affected area to apply for low-interest loans to cover damages not covered by insurance.

Why it matters

The SBA disaster declaration and subsequent loan assistance is a critical step in helping the Kankakee County community recover from the significant damage caused by the March tornado and storms. This federal aid will provide crucial financial resources to homeowners, renters, and businesses as they work to rebuild.

The details

The SBA disaster declaration covers Kankakee County as well as the contiguous counties of Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, Livingston, and Will. The SBA will establish three Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in the affected area to assist residents and businesses with applying for two types of loans: physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). Homeowners and renters can apply for up to $500,000 and $100,000 respectively to repair or replace damaged property, while businesses and some non-profits can borrow up to $2 million for physical damages.

  • The tornado and severe storms struck Kankakee County on March 10-11, 2026.
  • Governor Pritzker visited Kankakee and Aroma Park last month to assess the damage.
  • The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security completed their Damage Assessments in Kankakee County last month.

The players

Governor JB Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois who announced the SBA disaster declaration and emphasized the importance of providing relief to the Kankakee County community.

Theodore (Ted) Berger

The Acting Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, who expressed gratitude for the coordination and partnerships supporting long-term recovery efforts.

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What they’re saying

“In the wake of this destructive storm, these resources will be critical to the Kankakee County area's recovery. No matter where you live, your community should be able to count on relief after a disaster. SBA rightfully recognized the severity of the storm's impact, and Illinois will continue coordinating essential recovery efforts in the area.”

— Governor JB Pritzker

“Low interest disaster recovery loans can provide residents with an important tool to help rebuild in the aftermath of this devastating storm. We are grateful for the coordination and partnerships that continue to support residents in long-term recovery efforts.”

— Theodore (Ted) Berger, IEMA-OHS Acting Director

What’s next

The SBA staff will establish three Disaster Loan Outreach Centers this week to allow disaster survivors to ask questions in person and obtain assistance in applying for physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs).

The takeaway

The SBA disaster declaration and subsequent low-interest loan assistance will be a critical lifeline for the Kankakee County community as they work to rebuild homes, businesses, and infrastructure damaged by the March tornado and severe storms. This federal aid demonstrates the state's commitment to supporting long-term recovery efforts in the affected areas.