Gov. Wes Moore asked the U.S. Small Business Administration late Thursday to provide financial assistance to the Anne Arundel businesses affected by the shuttering of the unstable Empire Towers.

The building was declared structurally unsound by the county’s fire department in July following a partial collapse of the parking garage. The incident stifled commerce for tenants of the Glen Burnie building and businesses nearby. Construction crews are working to stabilize the 10-story tower, leaving the businesses and their employees in limbo.

Moore sought to make federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to the small businesses affected. He’s requested that the SBA administrator issue a declaration to disburse the low-cost loans to owners so they “can navigate economic hardship and rebuild,” Moore said in an evening statement.

He described the businesses as “the backbone of the community.” The companies range from insurance agencies and commercial cleaning services to law firms and medical clinics.

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“This is an unusual and complex situation impacting the community,” said Russell Strickland, secretary of the Maryland Department of Emergency Management.

He added that Anne Arundel County’s local government is also trying to help those impacted.

Strickland described the loans as an important resource. They can cover operating expenses including utilities, rent and payroll. Businesses that have not suffered physical property damage also can access the funding.

The disaster loans are available for up to $2 million, with interest rates as low as 4% and terms extending up to 30 years, the governor’s office said in the Thursday statement. Interest will not accrue on the loans and no payment is required for the first year after the funds are disbursed.

Anne Arundel County Councilwoman Allison Pickard, who represents the Glen Burnie area, said she’s grateful to Moore for taking action and hopes to secure more resources for the people impacted.

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“This has been a terribly trying situation for our small businesses and area residents,” she said in a statement.

Since July, tenants of Empire Towers say, they’ve felt frustrated by the lack of support and answers from the building owners. Dozens of people have cars trapped in the parking garage at 7310 Ritchie Highway.

David Ruben, whose law firm signed a 12-month lease at Empire Towers shortly before the incident, previously told The Banner he’s paid for his employees’ car rentals and given up on retrieving items from his office. Another tenant, Dr. Sridhar Atluri, said in a previous interview with The Banner that he’s trying to see patients with urgent needs at a satellite office.

Officials with the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corp. are offering disaster recovery grants of up to $2,500 for businesses in the building or within a 150-foot perimeter, where a potential collapse zone remains in place.