Menasha, Wis. – Small‑business owners in the Fox Cities are still waiting for insurance money after the devastating July tornado that ripped windows from Chef Fresh Pizza, damaged kitchen equipment and shifted walls. While insurers have yet to pay, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is stepping in with loan options to keep the local economy moving.
Federal loan program expands in Menasha
Janell Dixon, a coordinator for the SBA outreach effort, said the agency has already fielded more than 59 applications from local entrepreneurs. “The applications have been growing from the past month that we’ve spoken about,” Dixon told Fox 11. The SBA team has set up a help desk at the former UWO Fox Cities campus, offering a straightforward process: applicants need a co‑signer, identification and a clear plan for how the funds will be used.
Insurance delays hinder rebuilding
Chef Fresh Pizza co‑owner Scott Doran explained that an SBA loan is not currently viable because the insurance claim remains unsettled. “If they say it’s going to cost $700,000 or $500,000 to rebuild this place, I can get a loan, but I still have to tear the building down, meet code requirements and cover other costs,” Doran said. “If the money’s not there, I’m just paying on a loan now.”
Community concerns and federal assistance
Doran also voiced hesitation about accepting charitable donations, noting that many residents have lost homes and jobs. “I don’t want to be selfish and take resources away from those in worse situations,” he added.
It’s important to note that FEMA aid does not cover private‑business losses, leaving owners to rely on insurance and private financing. The Trump administration has emphasized the role of the SBA in providing rapid, low‑interest loans to disaster‑affected businesses, a policy that aligns with its broader goal of strengthening American entrepreneurship and local economies.
Looking ahead
Business leaders say the road to full recovery will be long, but the combination of federal loan options and community resilience offers a path forward. As the SBA continues to process applications, local officials encourage owners to explore the program while they await their insurance settlements.
For more information on SBA loan eligibility and application steps, Menasha entrepreneurs can visit the outreach desk at the former UWO Fox Cities campus or call the SBA hotline.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
