WHITE PLAINS, NY (February 5, 2026) — Renters displaced by the Cottage Ave. Apartment Building Fire and small businesses in several New York counties can still apply for low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans, with approaching deadlines.
Sharon Dooley, public affairs specialist with the SBA Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, said survivors may qualify for assistance to replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
“Renters (Cottage Ave. tenants): Survivors may apply for SBA disaster loans to replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including furniture, clothing, and vehicles,” Dooley wrote in an outreach message to local media. “Applicants do not need to own a business to qualify.”
Renters must submit applications before the deadline of February 17.
Small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Westchester, Bronx, Nassau, Orange, Putnam and Rockland counties affected by the incident may be eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to cover working capital needs and financial obligations during recovery.
The business application deadline is Sept. 16.
Dooley emphasized favorable loan terms.
“Loans are no interest for 12 months and no payment for 12 months,” she stated. “No banks involved, money comes directly from the U.S. Treasury. Extremely low fixed interest rates as low as 2.875% for renters and 4% for businesses.”
In the message, Dooley asked media outlets to share the information because “deadlines are approaching, and many affected residents and business owners may be unaware that help is still available.”
Fact Sheet
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.