The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Durham County to support small businesses, private nonprofits, and residents impacted by Tropical Depression Chantal, as well as flooding and tornadoes that occurred from July 6-13, 2025.
Starting Wednesday, July 30, SBA customer service representatives will be available at the center to answer questions about disaster loans, explain the application process, and assist with completing applications. Walk-ins are welcome at the DLOC located at Durham County Library – North Regional Branch, 221 Milton Road, Durham, NC 27712. Appointments can also be scheduled in advance through appointment.sba.gov.
The center’s hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and it is closed on Sundays. The DLOC will permanently close on August 30 at 1 p.m.
“When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers play a vital role in helping small businesses and their communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At these centers, SBA specialists assist business owners and residents with disaster loan applications and provide information on the full range of recovery programs available.”
The SBA advises disaster survivors not to wait for insurance settlements before applying for a disaster loan. If applicants are unsure how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, they may still apply for a low-interest disaster loan up to its limits if they agree to use any insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.
Applications can be submitted online at https://sba.gov/disaster. Additional information is available by calling SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Telecommunications relay services are accessible by dialing 7-1-1 for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities.
The deadline for submitting applications for physical property damage is September 23, 2025; economic injury applications must be returned by April 27, 2026.
The SBA provides resources and support for entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country through its network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. More details about their services can be found at https://www.sba.gov/.