Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
CfA Scientists Detect 'Wake' of Betelgeuse's Elusive Companion Star
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, Jan. 6 (TNSjou) -- The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics issued the following news release:
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CfA Scientists Detect 'Wake' of Betelgeuse's Elusive Companion Star
After nearly a decade of tracking the giant star's hidden companion, scientists have confirmed existence of companion star and the influence it exerts.
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Using new observations from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and ground-based observatories, astronomers tracked the influence of a recently discovered companion star, Siwarha, on the gas around Betelgeuse. The research, from scientists at the
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CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, Jan. 6 (TNSjou) -- The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics issued the following news release:
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CfA Scientists Detect 'Wake' of Betelgeuse's Elusive Companion Star
After nearly a decade of tracking the giant star's hidden companion, scientists have confirmed existence of companion star and the influence it exerts.
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Using new observations from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and ground-based observatories, astronomers tracked the influence of a recently discovered companion star, Siwarha, on the gas around Betelgeuse. The research, from scientists at theCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA), reveals a trail of dense gas swirling through Betelgeuse's vast, extended atmosphere, shedding light on why the giant star's brightness and atmosphere have changed in strange and unusual ways.
The results of the new study were presented Monday at a news conference at the 247th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Phoenix and are accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal.
The team detected Siwarha's wake by carefully tracking changes in the star's light over nearly eight years. These changes show the effects of the previously unconfirmed companion as it plows through the outer atmosphere of Betelgeuse. This discovery resolves one of the biggest mysteries about the giant star, helping scientists to explain how it behaves and evolves while opening new doors to understanding other massive stars nearing the end of their lives.
Located roughly 650 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Orion, Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star so large that more than 400 million Suns could fit inside. Because of its enormous size and proximity, Betelgeuse is one of the few stars whose surface and surrounding atmosphere can be directly observed by astronomers, making it an important and accessible laboratory for studying how giant stars age, lose mass, and eventually explode as supernovae.
Using NASA's Hubble and ground-based telescopes at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory and Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory, the team was able to see a pattern of changes in Betelgeuse, which provided clear evidence of a long-suspected companion star and its impact on the red supergiant's outer atmosphere. Those include changes in the star's spectrum, or the specific colors of light given off by different elements, and the speed and direction of gases in the outer atmosphere due to a trail of denser material, or wake. This trail appears just after the companion crosses in front of Betelgeuse every six years, or about 2,100 days, confirming theoretical models.
"It's a bit like a boat moving through water. The companion star creates a ripple effect in Betelgeuse's atmosphere that we can actually see in the data," said Andrea Dupree, an astronomer at the CfA, and the lead study author. "For the first time, we're seeing direct signs of this wake, or trail of gas, confirming that Betelgeuse really does have a hidden companion shaping its appearance and behavior."
For decades, astronomers have tracked changes in Betelgeuse's brightness and surface features in hopes of figuring out why the star behaves the way it does. Curiosity intensified after the giant star appeared to "sneeze" and became unexpectedly faint in 2020. Two distinct periods of variation in the star were especially puzzling for scientists: a short 400-day cycle, recently attributed to pulsations within the star itself, and the long, 2,100-day secondary period.
Until now, scientists have considered everything from large convection cells and clouds of dust to magnetic activity, and the possibility of a hidden companion star. Recent studies concluded that the long secondary period was best explained by the presence of a low-mass companion orbiting deep within Betelgeuse's atmosphere, and another team of scientists reported a possible detection, but until now, astronomers lacked the evidence to prove what they believed was happening. Now, for the first time, they have firm evidence that a companion is disrupting the atmosphere of this supergiant star.
"The idea that Betelgeuse had an undetected companion has been gaining in popularity for the past several years, but without direct evidence, it was an unproven theory," said Dupree. "With this new direct evidence, Betelgeuse gives us a front-row seat to watch how a giant star changes over time. Finding the wake from its companion means we can now understand how stars like this evolve, shed material, and eventually explode as supernovae."
With Betelgeuse now eclipsing its companion from our point of view, astronomers are planning new observations for its next emergence in 2027. This breakthrough may also help explain similar mysteries in other giant and supergiant stars.
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Resource
Dupree, A. Betelgeuse: Detection of the Expanding Wake of the Companion Star, The Astrophysical Journal, accepted. Draft: https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.00470
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About the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian is a collaboration between Harvard and the Smithsonian designed to ask--and ultimately answer--humanity's greatest unresolved questions about the nature of the universe. The Center for Astrophysics is headquartered in Cambridge, MA, with research facilities across the U.S. and around the world.
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About Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope has been operating for over three decades and continues to make ground-breaking discoveries that shape our fundamental understanding of the universe. Hubble is a project of international cooperation between NASA and ESA (European Space Agency). NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the telescope and mission operations. Lockheed Martin Space, based in Denver, also supports mission operations at Goddard. The Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, conducts Hubble science operations for NASA. To learn more about Hubble, visit: https://nasa.gov/hubble
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Original text here: https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/news/cfa-scientists-detect-wake-betelgeuses-elusive-companion-star
Inter-American Development Bank: 'School Transportation and Its Impacts on Caregivers in The Bahamas'
WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following white paper on in December 2025 entitled "School Transportation and Its Impacts on Caregivers in The Bahamas."
Here are excerpts:
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1. Introduction
Research on children's mobility, including school transportation, gained popularity in the 1990s (Thomsen, 2004) after the seminal work of Hillman et al. (1990) on independent mobility (Hillman et al., 1990). Since then, school transportation has evolved into an active research field that has developed primarily at the intersection of health and traffic
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following white paper on in December 2025 entitled "School Transportation and Its Impacts on Caregivers in The Bahamas."
Here are excerpts:
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1. Introduction
Research on children's mobility, including school transportation, gained popularity in the 1990s (Thomsen, 2004) after the seminal work of Hillman et al. (1990) on independent mobility (Hillman et al., 1990). Since then, school transportation has evolved into an active research field that has developed primarily at the intersection of health and trafficsafety.
Interest in school transportation research has grown alongside the attention policymakers worldwide have placed on developing interventions that facilitate children's access to primary and secondary education amidst the challenges of ensuring safe and enjoyable mobility in increasingly motorized cities. Such challenges sit at the intersection of urban transport configurations and the vulnerability of children and adolescents navigating the streets. On the one hand, car-oriented urban development and the design of infrastructure underpinned by principles that prioritize car speed have led to growing risks of traffic collisions, particularly in cities of the global south (Oviedo & Nieto-Combariza, 2021). Children often also bear significant disadvantages and risks due to lower access to appropriate transport infrastructure and services, contributing to high rates of road injuries, as well as lower rates of active transport, and adverse health outcomes among children. This, in turn, adversely affects their development and their ability to escape poverty as adults (Aranda-Balboa et al., 2021; Herrador-Colmenero et al., 2022).
Beyond concerns about traffic safety and social mobility, another factor explaining the rising focus on school transportation in research and practice is the strategic need to target children in efforts towards decarbonization and de-motorization of cities in response to the ongoing climate emergency. The hypothesis is that early exposure to walking and cycling might delay or reduce car dependency during adulthood. Scholars have established that children engaging in active mobility for school trips experience multiple benefits compared to their peers who travel by car. For example, regular walking or cycling is associated with obesity reductions and improved mental and physical health, as well as better focus and academic performance (Aranda-Balboa et al., 2020, 2021; Ikeda et al., 2020).
Although there is a nascent body of literature on safe transport and access to school for children (Aranda-Balboa et al., 2020; Lutfur Rahman et al., 2022; Pfledderer et al., 2021), there is limited research focusing on cities in the Latin American and Caribbean LAC region.
There is also a lack of research that examines specific issues that children and their caretakers face in accessing school transport in the contexts of poverty, the prevalence of high crime rates and insecurity, and low-quality pedestrian infrastructure. Exposure to climate change impacts is under-researched. Moreover, long travel times to reach schools, associated with sprawling urban development, along with inadequate or unaffordable school transport systems can compound women's time poverty due to the amount of time and economic resources needed to accompany children to and from school or other activities; however, no research to-date has measured the impacts on parents.
While parents and caregivers are central actors in facilitating children's journeys to school, often bearing the material, logistical, and emotional costs of the commute, their own experiences remain largely peripheral in both research and policy concerning school transportation. Existing studies frequently focus on barriers and enablers from the child's perspective (Aranda-Balboa et al., 2020) or examine parental decisions regarding children's independent mobility (He, 2013; Sener et al., 2019; Yarlagadda & Srinivasan, 2008).
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View full text here: https://publications.iadb.org/publications/english/document/School-Transportation-and-Its-Impacts-on-Caregivers-in-The-Bahamas.pdf
[Category: IADB]
GSA Rideshare Program Saves Taxpayers Money; Adds Complimentary Uber One Memberships for Participating Federal Employees
WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA Rideshare Program Saves Taxpayers Money; Adds Complimentary Uber One Memberships for Participating Federal Employees
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Registered federal employees can use their Uber One membership for all rides within the U.S., including personal rides, through November 30, 2027.
WASHINGTON The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) made mission critical government travel more cost-effective, simpler, and more flexible for federal employees through its enhanced OneGov rideshare partnership with Uber.
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA Rideshare Program Saves Taxpayers Money; Adds Complimentary Uber One Memberships for Participating Federal Employees
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Registered federal employees can use their Uber One membership for all rides within the U.S., including personal rides, through November 30, 2027.
WASHINGTON The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) made mission critical government travel more cost-effective, simpler, and more flexible for federal employees through its enhanced OneGov rideshare partnership with Uber.Now, Uber is offering complimentary Uber One memberships for all participating federal employees as a way to realize additional savings and strengthen the program within agencies nationwide.
Since GSA launched the Uber partnership last July, agencies have reported over 50% savings compared to other ground transportation options and more than 80% savings by replacing costly shuttle contracts with on-demand transportation. GSA alone saved taxpayers nearly $1 million last year by removing over 170 underutilized fleet vehicles, thanks to employees using the rideshare program.
"GSA is committed to executing President Trump's vision to save taxpayers money," said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst. "This rideshare partnership is a prime example of GSA's OneGov initiatives that put cost savings and efficiency first."
Federal employees with Uber One will now earn credits on eligible rides during official travel, increasing potential savings. Increased program usage translates to greater taxpayer benefits. If all taxi and unmanaged rideshare expenses shifted to GSA's Uber partnership, the federal government could save over $46 million annually.
"GSA's OneGov Uber for Government agreement is delivering savings for taxpayers and reduced travel and logistic costs for federal agencies," said FAS Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum. "This approach helps to modernize government travel, increase efficiencies, and support critical U.S. federal government operations across the globe."
By using Uber for Government, agencies benefit from upfront discounts, tax-exempt pricing, and controls that limit premium vehicle use, all of which help cut travel expenses while improving mobility for employees.
Federal employees using the rideshare program can request timely transportation in minutes, eliminating wait times, navigating shuttle schedules, and the need to track down fleet vehicles. The program offers consistent service in cities across the world, giving travelers confidence that they can get to meetings, site visits, and events on time in support of their agency's missions.
"GSA is leading the way in providing a faster, more reliable mobility experience for federal employees, government-wide, through the OneGov-Uber for Government partnership," said Josh Butler, General Manager and Global Head of Sales, Uber for Business. "Together, we are reducing costs across travel, transportation, and fleet management and helping agencies plan budgets more strategically. We look forward to continued collaboration alongside GSA to deliver even greater savings and flexibility."
The GSA rideshare program with Uber is designed for traveler needs, offering faster pickups, predictable pricing, automated receipts, and streamlined expense reconciliation. As the program expands and more federal employees enroll, it delivers modern, cost-effective travel solutions. This partnership drives greater convenience, stronger mission support, and increased savings for taxpayers, setting a new standard for leveraging industry partnerships to reduce expenses and improve service and efficiency nationwide.
Registered federal employees can use their Uber One membership for all orders within the U.S., including personal rides, through November 30, 2027.
About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of over 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $110 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA's mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.
Contact
press@gsa.gov
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Original text here: https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-rideshare-program-saves-taxpayers-money-01052026
EXIM Delivers for America in 2025
WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 -- The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. issued the following news release:
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EXIM Delivers for America in 2025
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The Export-Import Bank of the United States is once again a frontline economic tool advancing President Trump's agenda for U.S. economic security and revitalization. Since Chairman Jovanovic's confirmation in September 2025, EXIM ended distractions and refocused on its core mission: supporting American jobs, securing critical supply chains, and ensuring U.S. energy and technology lead globally.
Chairman Jovanovic organized EXIM around Four Strategic Priorities
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 -- The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. issued the following news release:
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EXIM Delivers for America in 2025
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The Export-Import Bank of the United States is once again a frontline economic tool advancing President Trump's agenda for U.S. economic security and revitalization. Since Chairman Jovanovic's confirmation in September 2025, EXIM ended distractions and refocused on its core mission: supporting American jobs, securing critical supply chains, and ensuring U.S. energy and technology lead globally.
Chairman Jovanovic organized EXIM around Four Strategic Prioritiesthat directly advance President Trump's economic agenda:
1. American Jobs First - Helping U.S. exporters and manufacturers win abroad
2. American Energy Dominance - Ensuring U.S. energy molecules and technologies reach every corner of the globe
3. Supply Chain Security - Fortifying vital supply chains so American manufactures large and small can rely on them when needed
4. Industries of the Future - Leading in AI, critical minerals, and advanced technologies
"President Trump has put forward a clear vision for revitalizing America's economy, and EXIM is working to deliver on it," said Chairman Jovanovic. "I'm proud of what this team accomplished in 2025. Time is our biggest enemy and every day we come to work with a sense of urgency to support American workers, manufacturers, and our nation's economic security."
While advancing our strategic priorities, EXIM remains a diligent steward of American taxpayer dollars. EXIM conducts rigorous due diligence to ensure when undertaking a project, we are putting American exporters first. Since 1992, EXIM has returned $9.7 billion to the U.S. Department of the Treasury to help pay down the U.S. debt and nearly 90% of EXIM's total transactions directly benefit U.S. small business exporters, ensuring that America's entrepreneurial backbone has access to the financing tools needed to compete and win in global markets.
Some of EXIM's recent key 2025 milestones of putting America First are below: October 20, 2025 EXIM issued seven Letters of Interest (LOIs) totaling more than $2.2 billion to support U.S.-aligned critical minerals projects in Australia, advancing President Trump's America First industrial revitalization.
October 22, 2025 EXIM, coordinating with the Office of Science Technology Policy (OSTP) and the Departments of Commerce and State, supported the American AI Exports Programan initiative under President Trump's leadership to advance U.S. innovation and global competitiveness in trusted, full-stack AI technologies.
November 10, 2025 EXIM and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed a "Buy American, Build the Future" agreement, establishing a framework that expands economic cooperation and advances President Trump's America First Agenda. The agreement positions the U.S. as Uzbekistan's partner of choice in critical sectors and signals Uzbekistan's commitment to adopting American technology that supports jobs, supply chain resilience, and industrial modernization.
November 8, 2025 Chairman Jovanovic joined the U.S. Presidential Delegation at the historic inauguration of Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz, reaffirming America's commitment to deepening economic ties. The Chairman emphasized America's readiness to collaborate on strengthening both economies, enhancing energy dominance, supporting good-paying American jobs, and promoting shared regional prosperity.
November 20, 2025 Under the Chairman's first Board action, EXIM approved a direct loan to Pennsylvania-based 6K Additive LLC for an expansion project in Burgettstown, PA, supporting more than 50 American jobs. The $27 million financing funds construction of four new buildings and procurement of advanced equipment to refine titanium, nickel, and alloy powders. This latest approval under EXIM's Make More in America initiative strengthens U.S. manufacturing and secures critical mineral supply chains, marking the first transaction executed in coordination with the Department of War's Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III program.
December 4, 2025 Chairman Jovanovic joined President Trump and senior U.S. officials for the signing of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Rwandaa significant step toward ending decades of conflict and strengthening economic cooperation across the Great Lakes region.
December 17, 2025 President Trump welcomed Chairman Jovanovic to the Oval Office for his ceremonial swearing-in. Joined by his wife and four children, the Chairman took the oath of office, administered by Vice President JD Vance. The event underscored the administration's commitment to revitalizing America's economy by supporting good-paying American jobs across the United States, particularly for small businesses.
December 18, 2025 EXIM advanced America's critical mineral supply chain security by approving a $670 million Letter of Interest for Graphite One Inc. (G1) to support financing of the Company's Graphite Creek Project near Nome, Alaska, along with a separate $1.4 billion Letter of Interest for G1's planned advanced graphite materials manufacturing facility in northeastern Ohioincreasing production capacity while bringing back skilled manufacturing jobs.
ABOUT EXIM:
As the United States government's official export credit agency, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) supports American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. As an independent agency, EXIM plays a critical role in supporting economic growth, securing critical supply chains, and ensuring American businesses are given a fighting chance. To achieve this mission, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. Learn more at www.exim.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.exim.gov/news/exim-delivers-for-america-2025
USPS is strengthening requirements for contracted trucking providers
WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release:
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USPS is strengthening requirements for contracted trucking providers
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WASHINGTON As part of longstanding policies to safeguard the American public from trucking-related safety incidents, and in line with recent Department of Transportation (DOT) policies to make American roadways safer, the U.S. Postal Service will begin working with its contracted trucking providers to phase out any use of non-domiciled Commercial Driver's License (CDL) operators who have not been thoroughly vetted by the U.S. Postal Inspection
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release:
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USPS is strengthening requirements for contracted trucking providers
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WASHINGTON As part of longstanding policies to safeguard the American public from trucking-related safety incidents, and in line with recent Department of Transportation (DOT) policies to make American roadways safer, the U.S. Postal Service will begin working with its contracted trucking providers to phase out any use of non-domiciled Commercial Driver's License (CDL) operators who have not been thoroughly vetted by the U.S. Postal InspectionService. These actions are consistent with the Administration's goals as expressed in the DOT's recent interim final rule titled "Restoring Integrity to the Issuance of Non-Domiciled Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDL)".
"The safety of our employees, our customers, and the American public is of the utmost concern to the Postal Service," said Amber McReynolds, chairwoman of the Postal Service Board of Governors. "In order to maintain the highest possible safety standards, we have decided to phase out any use of non-domiciled Commercial Driver's License operators who have not been thoroughly vetted by the Postal Inspection Service."
By tightening the use of non-domiciled CDL drivers by our third-party (contracted) providers, USPS seeks to improve transportation safety and accountability and add yet another layer of protection and safety.
"USPS just completed an extremely safe and efficient peak season delivering the nation's holiday mail and packages," said Postmaster General and CEO David Steiner. "We believe this additional requirement will strengthen the safety, efficiency and reliability of our services into the future."
The Postal Service moves 55,000 loads by truck every day - nearly 2 billion miles per year - and making improvements in our operations goes hand-in-hand with improvements in safety so that we can safely deliver to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week.
USPS strives to promote a culture of safety to minimize accidents among employee and contract drivers. This includes monitoring industry and government data relating to our contractors.
The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter ; Instagram ; Pinterest ; Threads ; and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.
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Original text here: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2026/0105-usps-is-strengthening-requirements-for-contracted-trucking-providers.htm
SBA Relief Still Available to Pennsylvania Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the Drought
WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Pennsylvania Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the Drought
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WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Pennsylvania of the Feb. 2 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought occurring on March 15, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the counties of Berks, Bucks,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Pennsylvania Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the Drought
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WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Pennsylvania of the Feb. 2 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought occurring on March 15, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the counties of Berks, Bucks,Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery and Philadelphia.
Under this declaration, the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
"Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover," said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "We're pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters."
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov 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 deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 2, 2026. However, after the deadline has passed, there is a 60-day grace period in which SBA will accept applications.
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, 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.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/01/05/sba-relief-still-available-pennsylvania-small-businesses-private-nonprofits-affected-drought
SBA Relief Still Available to Florida Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the June Drought
WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Florida Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the June Drought
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WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Florida of the Feb. 2 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought occurring on June 1, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the counties of Collier, Miami-Dade and
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Florida Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the June Drought
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WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Florida of the Feb. 2 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought occurring on June 1, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the counties of Collier, Miami-Dade andMonroe in Florida.
Under this declaration, the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
"Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover," said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "We're pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters."
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov 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 deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 2, 2026. However, after the deadline has passed, there is a 60-day grace period in which SBA will accept applications.
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, 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.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/01/05/sba-relief-still-available-florida-small-businesses-private-nonprofits-affected-june-drought
