Storm and Flood Relief Still Available to New Hampshire Nonprofits: Don’t Miss the Deadline to Apply for an SBA Disaster Loan!

ATLANTA - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in New Hampshire of the Jan. 21 deadline to apply for federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the severe storms and flooding that occurred Jan. 9-14, 2024. 

The disaster declaration covers Grafton and Rockingham Counties. Under this declaration, the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible PNPs that suffered financial losses directly related to this disaster. Examples of eligible non-critical PNPs include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools, and colleges.

EIDLs offer working capital assistance for PNPs impacted by the disaster, even if they did not sustain physical damage. Loan funds may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses that would have been met if not for the disaster. 

"Working capital loans from the SBA are essential to eligible PNPs affected by the incident," said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "These loans help sustain local economies when a disaster occurs."

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 3.25%, and terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan 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 submit economic injury applications is Jan. 21, 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 or 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]