Assistance

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), assistance for businesses AND households

OCT 17 UPDATE: The SBA announced today that it has extended the deadline in Vermont to apply for disaster loan assistance for physical damages. Survivors in declared counties now have until Nov. 25, to apply for federal disaster loans for physical damages due to severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred July 9 – 11. See News Release and Fact Sheet.

On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.

SEPT 27 UPDATE: The July 30-31 storm has now been declared a major disaster, so SBA loan assistance is available for that damage too. See News Release and Fact Sheet.

Original Post, Sept. 20:

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding Homeowners, Renters, Businesses/Nonprofits and specifically Private Non-Profit organizations (PNPs) in Vermont of the Oct. 21 filing deadline to apply for physical damages caused by severe storm, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred on July 9-11. Eligible individuals and organizations in the counties of Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans and Washington may apply.  

SBA is the largest provider of disaster recovery funds to repair, replace or relocate for homeowners, renters, and businesses/nonprofits, even beyond FEMA. 

• SBA’s Disaster Loans funds come directly from the U.S. Treasury.

• Applicants do not go through a bank to apply.  Instead apply directly online starting with general information, at SBA.gov/disaster, and at a direct link to the current Vermont Disaster Declaration, SBA-Disaster-VT-July11-2024.

• There is no cost to apply.

• There is no obligation to take the loan if offered.

• No monthly payments or interest for the first year of the loan.

• Interest rates are fixed, and terms are generally 15 or 30 years.

• Applicants can have an existing SBA Disaster Loan and still qualify for a new loan, but the loans cannot be consolidated.

• Most SBA disaster loans are approved at the lower rate:

• Homeowners/renters: 2.688% up to $500,000/$100,000 [+20% mitigation physical damage]

• Businesses: 4.00%; Nonprofits: 3.250% both, up to $2 million [+20% mitigation physical damage].

• Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase of up to 20% percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements might include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by any disaster.

Please call with any questions, we are here locally and happy to assist your community.

Anita F. Steenson, Public Affairs Specialist
U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience
Field Operations Center East
(571) 459-6598 Cell

Offer Help

Northeast Kingdom Human Services - donations, select KURRVE program

Locally Social Gives - donations through givebutter.com

NEK Organizing Flood Recovery - donations, volunteering

Trails

Many trails are damaged or closed. As always, conditions can change rapidly. Check the website or call ahead to confirm.

• Parts of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) are closed. See trail updates and interactive map for detours, closures, and caution areas.

• Vermont State Parks that are reopening and the parks that are closed until further notice.

• Visit Green Mountain Club for trail conditions.

• Check Trail Finder to learn about hiking and multi-use trail access and conditions statewide.

• Visit Vermont Mountain Bike Association’s trail conditions page for updates on mountain bike networks across the state.

• Please do not recreate on a closed trail.

• Stay safe, use caution, and enjoy your time in Vermont.