Press Release   Governor Healey Secures Federal Assistance for Businesses Impacted by February Blizzard

Framingham — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved Governor Maura Healey’s request for federal assistance to support businesses and private nonprofit organizations that experienced economic loss as a result of the February 2026 blizzard that left as much as 2.5 feet of snow across Southeastern Massachusetts. 

The declaration makes low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to eligible businesses and nonprofit organizations in Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes and Plymouth counties, as well as neighboring Nantucket, Norfolk and Suffolk counties. Loans of up to $2 million can be used to help pay for working capital and operating expenses that could not be met because of the storm's economic impacts. 

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities, and many are still feeling the effects of the Blizzard of 2026," said Governor Maura Healey. "These loans will help businesses recover from lost revenue, keep their doors open and continue serving their communities, and we encourage eligible businesses to apply." 

"The February blizzard forced many businesses to close for days and disrupted economic activity across Southeastern Massachusetts," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "This assistance will help businesses and nonprofit organizations recover from those losses and move forward stronger."  

“Public safety is a team effort, and recovery is just as important as response,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “Following February’s historic blizzard, MEMA worked alongside local, state, federal and private-sector partners to assess impacts and connect communities with available resources. These SBA loans will help businesses and nonprofit organizations recover from the storm, strengthen local economies, and support a safer, more resilient Commonwealth.” 

“We’re very grateful to the SBA and Healey-Driscoll administration for working to make these loans available to businesses and private nonprofits that were hit hard by February’s record-breaking blizzard,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Dawn Brantley. “After the storm, our recovery team worked closely with local, state and federal partners to assess impacts and explore every available form of assistance for affected communities. These loans provide an important resource to help businesses recover, rebuild and move forward from the challenges caused by this historic storm." 

The blizzard struck Massachusetts on Feb. 22-23, 2026, bringing heavy snowfall, strong winds and widespread power outages. Nearly 300,000 residents lost electricity, dangerous travel conditions persisted for days and many businesses were forced to close as employees and customers were unable to safely travel.   

Eligible applicants may apply online at sba.gov/disaster. The deadline to submit Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications is March 12, 2027. 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.  

The SBA also approved a disaster declaration for Rhode Island related to the February blizzard, expanding eligibility for Massachusetts businesses and nonprofit organizations in Bristol, Norfolk and Worcester counties. Eligible applicants may seek assistance online, by phone or at any Business Recovery Center. 

SBA, in coordination with MEMA and local governments, will hold Business Recovery Centers where applicants may obtain advice and support in person. Business Recovery Center locations, dates and times are listed below. 



###