The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has extended the deadline for private nonprofit organizations in Puerto Rico to apply for federal disaster loans due to damages from Tropical Storm Ernesto, which occurred between August 13-16, 2024. The new deadline is set for March 6, 2025.
Private nonprofits in a total of twelve additional municipalities are now eligible to apply. These include Adjuntas, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Añasco, Arroyo, Barranquitas, Cabo Rojo, Camuy, Canóvanas, Ceiba, Coamo, Comerio, Corozal, Fajardo, Hormigueros, Jayuya, Lajas, Las Marías, Las Piedras, Loíza, Luquillo, Manatí, Maricao, Maunabo, Mayaguez, Naguabo,Orocovis,Ponce,Rio Grande ,San German ,San Lorenzo ,San Sebastián ,Santa Isabel,Utuado,Vega Alta,Vieques,Villalba and Yabucoa.
The SBA's declaration allows PNPs that provide non-critical governmental services and have suffered financial losses related to the storm to apply for assistance. Eligible organizations include food kitchens and homeless shelters among others.
PNP organizations can borrow up to $2 million at an interest rate of 3.25%, with terms extending up to 30 years. Payments are deferred until one year after the initial disbursement. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are also available for working capital needs irrespective of physical damage.
Loan amounts may be increased by up to 20% for mitigation improvements such as insulating pipes or installing storm windows.
Applications can be submitted online at sba.gov/disaster or through the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955. The filing deadline for physical property damage applications is March 6 while economic injury applications must be submitted by August 27.