Small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations across eight New Jersey counties are being urged by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to meet the Dec. 8 deadline to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans.
The federal disaster declaration, issued by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, makes the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program available to eligible entities in the following South Jersey counties:
- Atlantic
- Burlington
- Camden
- Cape May
- Cumberland
- Gloucester
- Ocean
- Salem
These loans are crucial for businesses that suffered financial injury due to the drought, even if they experienced no physical property damage.
The EIDL program provides working capital to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs meet financial obligations that cannot be paid due to the disaster. These funds can be used for essential operating costs such as:
- Fixed debts
- Payroll
- Accounts payable
- Other necessary bills
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA said. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
Loan details and application information
Eligible organizations can apply for up to $2 million with favorable terms to aid in recovery.
| Applicant Type | Interest Rate (As Low As) | Maximum Term | Key Feature |
| Small Businesses | 4.00% | Up to 30 years | Interest does not accrue for 12 months. |
| Private Nonprofits (PNPs) | 3.25% | Up to 30 years | Payments are not due for 12 months. |
The SBA sets final loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. It is important to note that, with the exception of aquaculture enterprises, the SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers.
How to apply
New Jersey businesses and PNPs must submit their applications by the deadline.
- Deadline: Dec. 8, 2025 (a 60-day grace period is also available after the deadline).
- Apply Online: Visit sba.gov/disaster
- Customer Service: Call the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected].
