By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE U.S. Small Business Administration has opened its third disaster recovery center on Saipan, expanding access for businesses, nonprofits, and residents seeking federal assistance following Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
The newest site, located at the One Stop Permitting Center on Capital Hill, operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and is designed to serve northern villages and communities in the island’s interior.
SBA Public Affairs Specialist Raenada Mason said the Capital Hill location gives businesses a centralized place to submit applications, resolve documentation issues, and seek loan reconsiderations or reacceptance.
“This is a great location for any business or nonprofit seeking assistance to submit an application, ask questions, address documentation issues, or request loan reconsideration or reacceptance,” Mason said. “Being at the One Stop Permitting Center allows businesses to have a one-stop shop for everything we offer.”
The new center joins the existing Business Recovery Center at the Saipan Chamber of Commerce and the Survivor Recovery Center in Susupe, which continues to serve homeowners and renters.
A more convenient location for the north
Cody Kiyoshi, individual assistance community outreach coordinator, said the Capital Hill site fills a key accessibility gap for residents and businesses outside central Saipan.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to expand SBA’s assistance across the island and be more accessible with a third recovery center here at the One Stop office,” Kiyoshi said. “This will be a more convenient location for people in the north and the backside — Kagman, As Teo — coming up to Capital Hill. We think this will reach a lot of people at a more manageable time in their schedules.”
Kiyoshi said the One Stop facility has been well received since its ribbon-cutting in late December.
“There’s been a lot of positive feedback from the business community about being able to apply for licenses and certifications in one location, with Treasury right next door,” he said. “Payments have been very easy on that end. We’re also looking to expand with the registrar of corporations on the web portal.”
Approvals rise to $7.4 million, but business participation remains low
Mason said SBA disaster loan approvals have reached $7.4 million as of Tuesday morning. However, businesses and nonprofits still account for less than 1 percent of all approved loans.
“We are still seeing the majority of applicants are homeowners and renters,” she said. “Businesses and nonprofits remain less than 1 percent.”
She said the additional Capital Hill center is intended to help change that.
“Absolutely, we want to capture all businesses and nonprofits,” Mason said. “We want them to come in, get their questions answered, and submit their applications.”
Online applications still open
Businesses and nonprofits may still apply online at sba.gov/disaster, and Mason said starting online is encouraged as long as applicants seek in-person assistance when needed.
“Applying online is still available,” she said. “But in-person assistance is one of the best ways to go.”
Applicants may also call 1-800-659-2955 or email [email protected] for assistance/.
Deadlines approaching
Physical damage loans: June 22
Economic injury loans: January 25, 2027
Mason said SBA loans offer long-term, low-interest financing:
Nonprofits: 3.625%
Businesses: as low as 4%
Up to 30-year terms
One-year payment deferral with no interest accrual during the deferral period
“These are great interest rates for any business or nonprofit,” she said.
Mason also noted some applicants have faced address verification issues, particularly those using P.O. boxes. She said SBA staff have resolved this by using latitude and longitude coordinates or lot-and-block numbers.
“At the One Stop Permitting Center, they can also sign eligibility certificates here,” she said.
A push to bring businesses in
With approvals rising but business participation still low, Mason said the SBA’s priority is expanding access.
“We want to continue operations,” she said. “We want businesses and nonprofits to come in, get help, and submit their applications.”
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
