NORWOOD – Local business owners and non-profit organizations still struggling to balance their books after winter’s historic snowfall have a new lifeline; one that has become significantly more critical following a major setback for state and municipal budgets.
Governor Maura Healey announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved federal assistance for Massachusetts communities impacted by the devastating blizzard on February 22-23.
While southeastern coastal communities took the brunt of the 2.5-foot snow accumulation, Norfolk County has officially been included in the disaster declaration. This inclusion allows Norwood’s brick-and-mortar storefronts, restaurants, and private nonprofits to apply for low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
However, the rollout of this small business relief comes alongside a major funding blow for the state and local town governments.
The federal government, through FEMA, has officially denied Massachusetts’ request for a Major Disaster Declaration, which would have provided federal funding to reimburse the state and municipalities for costly storm response, snow removal, and infrastructure repairs.
“The Commonwealth has been notified that FEMA has denied Massachusetts’ request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the February blizzard,” the state confirmed in a briefing statement. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration is reviewing the decision and intends to submit an appeal.”
State officials emphasized that while municipal reimbursement is up in the air, the small business aid is completely locked in and unaffected by the FEMA denial.
The late-February storm brought our local economy to a grinding halt, knocking out power for nearly 300,000 residents statewide, creating dangerous travel conditions for days, and forcing storefront closures during crucial business hours.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities, and many are still feeling the effects of the Blizzard of 2026,” Governor Healey said. “These loans will help businesses recover from lost revenue, keep their doors open, and continue serving their communities.”
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans provide up to $2 million in funding. Rather than physical repairs, these specific loans are designed to cover vital working capital and routine operating expenses like payroll, utilities, and supply costs, that local owners couldn’t pay strictly because of the storm’s economic disruption.
Norwood’s eligibility was secured through two parallel channels: Norfolk County’s proximity to the hardest-hit counties (like Bristol and Plymouth) and a separate federal disaster declaration in neighboring Rhode Island, which expanded the SBA safety net to include our area.
Eligible Norwood applicants have plenty of time to organize their financial paperwork, as the SBA will accept applications through March 12, 2027.
Norwood business owners can learn more, view full interest rates, and submit their requests online at sba.gov/disaster, or contact the SBA Customer Service Center directly at 800-659-2955.
State emergency officials have promised to share updates with local communities as the state’s FEMA appeal moves forward. -RD
