The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a reminder to eligible private nonprofit organizations within the San Carlos Apache Tribe regarding the approaching deadline of July 7, 2025, to apply for federal disaster loans. These loans are intended to mitigate economic losses resulting from the Watch Fire that occurred between July 10-17, 2024.
The SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available for PNPs providing non-critical governmental services that have experienced financial setbacks due to the disaster. Eligible entities include food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools, and colleges.
These EIDLs can be used for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are accessible even if there was no physical damage to the organization. The funds may cover fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses unmet due to the incident.
Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA stated: “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery.” He further emphasized that these loans play a vital role in sustaining local economies post-disaster.
Loan amounts can reach up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 3.25% and terms extending up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue nor are payments required until one year after the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial situation.
Applicants are encouraged by the SBA to submit their applications promptly as they will be processed in order of receipt. Assistance information is available online at sba.gov/disaster or through contacting SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or via email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Telecommunications relay services are accessible by dialing 7-1-1 for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Completed loan applications must be submitted by July 7.
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