About this programme
The Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program is run by the Small Business Finance Center at California IBank, the state's Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank. It exists to help California businesses recover from a declared disaster by making it easier for lenders to extend them credit.
Rather than lending directly, IBank guarantees a large share of a loan a private lender makes, so the lender takes on much less risk when a business has physical or economic losses from a disaster.
How it works
IBank guarantees up to 95% of a qualifying loan, up to a maximum guarantee of $1 million per loan.
Loans can run up to 7 years, with the interest rate negotiated directly between the lender and the borrower, not set by IBank.
The lender applies for the guarantee on the borrower's behalf: the borrower first applies to a participating lender for the loan, and if approved, that lender submits the guarantee request to IBank.
Guaranteed funds can be used for business continuance or to address the "economic injury" caused by the disaster.
Who can apply
The business must be located in California and employ between 1 and 750 people.
It must have been negatively affected by an officially declared disaster (the program also names COVID-19 and wildfires as qualifying events).
Accepted entity types include sole proprietorships, LLCs, cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, S-corporations, and eligible not-for-profit organizations; the primary borrower must be an established business entity, not an individual.
Passive real estate businesses that generate rental income are not eligible.
How to apply
- Contact a participating lender in your area (see IBank's Participating Lenders Directory).
- If you need help finding a lender or preparing your application, reach out to your local Small Business Development Center.
- Apply for the loan directly with the lender.
- If the lender approves the loan, it submits the guarantee request to IBank on your behalf.
Frequently asked
Do I apply to IBank directly for this guarantee?
No. You apply to a participating lender for the loan; the lender then requests the guarantee from IBank if it approves your loan.
How much of my loan can be guaranteed?
Up to 95% of the loan, with a maximum guarantee of $1 million per loan.
What disasters qualify?
The program covers businesses negatively affected by an officially declared disaster, and specifically names COVID-19 and wildfires as qualifying events.
Are rental property businesses eligible?
No. Passive real estate businesses that generate rental income are excluded.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.