SBA Deadline Approaching for Physical Disaster Loans in Maine; Business Recovery Center in Hancock County Adjust Hours of Operations

ATLANTA - - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)is reminding businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters in Maine to apply for physical damage disaster loans by May 20 deadline. Additionally, SBA is changing the hours of the Business Recovery Center in Hancock County, beginning Monday, April 22, it will now operate Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Survivors in the declared Cumberland, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Washington and York counties in Mainewho incurred damage from severe storms and flooding on Jan. 9-13, should apply for a physical damage disaster loan by the deadline. Disaster survivors with insurance should not wait for their settlement before applying for physical damage. SBA will work with your insurance to reduce or repay the loan.

Customer Service Representatives at SBA's Business Recovery Centers will assist business owners complete their disaster loan application, accept documents and provide updates on an application's status. The centers will operate as indicated below until further notice.

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) 659-2955 or email [email protected] 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 May 20, 2024. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Dec. 23, 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.