SBA offers relief to Pennsylvania small businesses and private nonprofits affected by severe storms The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania to offset economic losses caused by severe storms that occurred on July 4, 2026. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Governor Josh Shapiro on July 29, 2026. The declaration covers the Pennsylvania counties of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike and Wayne, as well as New Jersey counties of Sussex and Warren, which are eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans from SBA. SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofit organizations — including faith‑based organizations — with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises. EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills which could not be paid due to the disaster. “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.” The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofit organizations, with terms of 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 determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. Beginning Tuesday, August 4, 2026, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at an SBA Business Recovery Center in Monroe County to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are welcome, and you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov. The hours of operation are listed below: MONROE COUNTY Business Recovery Center Schoonover Municipal Building 147 Municipal Dr. East Stroudsburg, PA 18302 Opens at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 4 Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The center will close early at 4:40 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 19 Closes permanently at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21 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 filing deadline to return economic injury application is April 30, 2027.
Johnson College receives scholarship award Johnson College received a $1,500 scholarship to support its automotive technology students with demonstrated financial need. This is the 16th year that this particular scholarship has been awarded to Johnson College students. Scholarship funds are raised through donations, volunteer work, sponsorships and annual Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club calendar sales. Johnson College’s two-year associate degree program in Automotive Technology prepares students for entry-level positions in the automotive career fields of automotive service centers, engine repair/machine shops, automotive equipment distributors, independent service garages, automotive parts manufacturers, sales representation and auto insurance companies. Graduates may work with brake systems, transmissions, alignments and repairs; be representatives in claims, sales and service; or become truck/fleet maintenance technicians.
My Benefit Advisor addresses the hidden cost of caregiver stress Many employees are balancing their careers with the responsibility of caring for aging parents, spouses, children with special needs, or other family members. While these responsibilities occur outside the workplace, their impact is often felt throughout the organization. Caregivers frequently face competing demands on their time, unexpected emergencies, and ongoing emotional stress. As a result, employers may experience increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, higher healthcare utilization, and greater turnover risk. Because caregiving challenges are often personal and rarely discussed openly, many organizations underestimate how many employees are affected. Yet as the population ages, caregiver responsibilities are becoming increasingly common across all workforce demographics. Forward-thinking employers are beginning to view caregiver support as a workforce strategy rather than simply an employee benefit. Flexible work arrangements, employee assistance programs, mental health resources, and caregiver support services can help employees better manage their responsibilities while remaining engaged and productive. Organizations that recognize and address caregiver stress may be better positioned to improve retention, support employee well-being, and strengthen overall workforce performance. The hidden cost of caregiver stress extends beyond the individual. For employers, it represents a growing workforce challenge that deserves greater awareness and a proactive response. The hidden cost of caregiver stress extends beyond the individual. For employers, it represents a growing workforce challenge that deserves greater awareness and a proactive response. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at gscc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3539.
