SBA Opens Recovery Center in New York: Disaster Loans Available for Storm Recovery Efforts

ATLANTA - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Louisville, New York, on Friday, Jan. 3, at 11 a.m. in the Lewis County Outdoor Services conference room. The center will assist businesses and residents who sustained economic losses and physical damages caused by the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred Aug. 18-19. SBA will offer disaster survivors support with Physical Damage and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). SBA issued the disaster declaration under the Disaster Assistance for Rural Communities Act in response to a request from Gov. Kathy Hochul.

"When disasters strike, our Disaster Loan Outreach Centers are key to helping business owners and residents get back on their feet," said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "At these centers, people can connect directly with our specialists to apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to rebuild and move forward in their recovery journey."

Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment at a DLOC in advance at appointment.sba.gov. The DLOC hours of operation are indicated below.

Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

Lewis County

Lewis County Outdoor Services

Conference Room

7356 East Road

Louisville, NY 13367

Opening: Friday, Jan, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hours:  Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed: Sunday

Permanently Closing: Jan. 17 at 4 p.m.

Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

SBA can also provide additional funds to businesses and homeowners to cover the cost of improvements aimed at protecting, preventing, or minimizing future disaster damage. Approved loans may qualify for an increase of up to 20% of their verified physical damages for mitigation purposes. Eligible improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, French drain, or retaining wall to protect property and occupants from future damage.

Interest rates can be as low as 4% for businesses, 3.25% for private nonprofit organizations and 2.813% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and monthly payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the initial disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition.

SBA's Disaster Loan Program funding was replenished via the American Relief Act, 2025, which was signed into law on Dec. 21, 2024. The SBA acted immediately and, within six hours of the Act being signed into law, issued more than 21,000 outstanding commitment letters (loan offers). The SBA will continue to issue new loan offers and ensure survivors quickly understand their loan options.

To apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to apply for property damage is Feb. 18, 2025. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Sept. 22, 2025.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Related programs: Disaster

Email [email protected]