The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for private nonprofit organizations in Nebraska that were affected by severe winter storms and straight-line winds on March 18-19.
The disaster declaration applies to several counties in Nebraska, including Boone, Burt, Butler, Cass, Clay, Colfax, Cuming, Dodge, Douglas, Fillmore, Hamilton, Jefferson, Johnson, Lancaster, Nuckolls, Otoe, Platte, Polk, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Thurston, Washington Webster and York.
Under this declaration PNPs offering non-critical governmental services impacted by physical damages or financial losses due to the disaster are eligible to apply for both business physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Eligible non-critical PNP organizations include food kitchens homeless shelters museums libraries community centers schools and colleges.
PNPs can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate machinery equipment inventory and other business assets. Applicants may also qualify for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster even if there is no physical damage. These loans can be used to cover fixed debts payroll accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
"SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster which is crucial for their recovery," said Chris Stallings associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster."
Interest rates start at 3.62% with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue nor are payments due until 12 months after the first loan disbursement. Loan amounts and terms will be determined based on each applicant's financial condition.
The SBA urges applicants to submit their applications promptly as they will be prioritized based on receipt order with a commitment from SBA for efficient processing.
Applications can be submitted online at sba.gov/disaster or through SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or via email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. For telecommunications relay services dial 7-1-1.
The deadline for returning physical damage applications is July 22 2025 while economic injury applications must be returned by February 23 2026.
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