SBA Expands Bavi Disaster Assistance to Saipan and Tinian

The U.S. Small Business Administration has issued a rural disaster declaration for Saipan and Tinian following Super Typhoon Bavi, making additional federal disaster assistance available to eligible homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations on both islands. Rota is already covered through the Presidential disaster declaration for Bavi. The declaration makes several forms of assistance available, including loans of up to $500,000 for homeowners with real estate damage, up to $100,000 for personal property, and up to $2 million for businesses with physical damage. Economic Injury Disaster Loans are also available to eligible businesses and organizations that suffered economic losses because of the storm. The deadline to apply for physical damage assistance related to Bavi is October 13, 2026, while applications for economic injury assistance are due May 14, 2027. I want to thank the SBA for acting quickly on the Commonwealth's request and making these resources available to our community. If you experienced damage or economic impacts from Bavi, I encourage you to review the assistance available and apply. Even if you are uncertain whether you qualify, take the time to explore your options and make sure you are not leaving potential recovery assistance on the table.