ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) encourages Maine businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters to apply for a physical disaster loan by April 1.
Survivors in Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford and Somerset counties with damage from the severe storms and flooding that occurred Dec. 17-21, 2023, should apply before the deadline.
Those affected by the disaster are encouraged to submit their completed application even if they have not settled with their insurance company. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA will consider making a loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay their SBA loan.
To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register at DisasterAssistance.gov
or download the FEMA mobile app. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the
FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call
800-621-3362.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 6592955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov 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 filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is April 1, 2024. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Oct. 30, 2024.
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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.