The deadline for small businesses affected by tornados and severe storms on April 4, 2008, to apply for low-interest loans has been extended to March 2 by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Businesses in Warren, Yazoo, Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, Madison, Rankin and Simpson counties affected by the storms can apply for up to $2 million SBA loans, with interest rates fixed at 4 percent for up to 30 years. The working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

Applications can be obtained by calling SBA’s customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Loans can also be downloaded at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.