SBA Offers Disaster Loans to Mescalero Apache Tribe Businesses and Residents
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Little Business Administration (SBA) is providing low-interest federal disaster loans to businesses, nonprofits and residents of the Mescalero Apache Tribe affected by severe storms, flooding, and landslides that occurred between June 23 and August 5, 2025. The SBA issued the disaster declaration at the request of Tribal President Thora Walsh Padilla .
Loan Details
The disaster declaration specifically covers the Mescalero Apache Tribe.
- Businesses and Nonprofits: Eligible entities can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
- Homeowners: Homeowners can apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
- Renters: Renters are eligible for loans up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances.
Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures against high winds, upgrading to wind-rated garage doors, and installing safe rooms or storm shelters.
Loan Terms and Interest Rates
Interest rates are as low as:
- 4% for businesses
- 3.625% for nonprofits
- 2.813% for homeowners and renters
Loan terms can extend up to 30 years. Interest and payments are deferred for 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial situation.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations that have experienced financial losses due to the disaster. These loans are available even if the business did not sustain physical damage and can be used for working capital needs, including paying fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills. Though, the SBA does not provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.
How to Apply
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants can also contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. For those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Important Deadlines
- Physical Damage Applications: April 24
- Economic Injury Applications: November 23
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) aims to support American entrepreneurship. The SBA provides resources and support to help small businesses start, grow, expand, or recover from disasters through its field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. More information is available at www.sba.gov.