Harrisburg, PA – Governor Josh Shapiro announced today that his Administration has made a request to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to make financial aid available to individuals, families, and businesses affected by the May 13, 2025, flooding in Somerset County.
The flooding in southwestern Pennsylvania has been devastating, and the Shapiro Administration has been on the ground providing support every day since the storm struck. The Shapiro Administration remains committed to helping Pennsylvanians recover and rebuild stronger than before, which is why we are working to secure federal low interest loans as a tool to ensure homeowners and business owners have the support they need and can recoup unforeseen losses.
— PEMA Director Randy Padfield
The SBA’s Disaster Loan program provides low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, private non-profits, and businesses located in a disaster declared area who sustained damages from flooding. The SBA can provide up to $500,000 for homeowners to replace or repair their primary residences and up to $100,000 for homeowners and renters to replace or repair personal property. Businesses and most private non-profits may be eligible for up to $2 million to cover disaster losses not fully covered by insurance. Additionally, small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations located in a declared disaster area that have suffered substantial economic injury may be eligible for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) if the disaster request is approved.
Homeowners, renters, private non-profits, and businesses are encouraged to report damages to their local emergency management agency as soon as possible.
The Shapiro Administration has secured support from the SBA after several weather disasters over the last few years, including flooding in Northampton County, Northeastern Pennsylvania, and Southwest Pennsylvania and following Tropical Storm Debby last August. The Shapiro Administration also secured access to SBA financial assistance following the R.M. Palmer Factory Explosion that occurred in March 2023, a devastating fire that destroyed several small businesses in Monroe County in June 2023, and an apartment complex fire in Philadelphia in July 2024. This financial assistance from the SBA is a crucial lifeline to help Pennsylvanians, especially small businesses, recover from unexpected losses following a disaster.