MATTOON, Ill. (WAND) — In July, Mattoon residents were given a "Do Not Drink" order after a toxic algae was found in the water supply. Months later, businesses are still feeling the financial strain that the loss of business caused.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering disaster relief to small businesses and private nonprofits that were affected to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
However, Villa Pizza owner Jonathan Arena says he won't be taking out a loan with the SBA. He said he already had to make the difficult decision to take out loans during the water ban, and he cannot take out any more.
"I had to borrow $30,000 from the bank. And I already had two loans out there, I didn't want to take another loan up. But, it was either that or turn the key, shut the lights off, go home, close my business," Arena said.
Villa Pizza had to shut its dining room and buffet down during the water ban, and had to slash its menu down to just pizza. Arena says they lost $20,000 during the water ban.
"It was just like a big snowball going down the mountain. Just kept getting bigger and bigger. And I couldn't stop it," Arena said.
However, Arena said it was heartwarming to see the community show up in different ways to support small businesses — and each other — during the disaster. Villa Pizza is still facing financial issues, but they feel the community is behind them.
"You gotta keep your chin up," Arena said. "You got to stay positive."
More information about the EIDL program can be found on the SBA website.
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