The U.S. Small Business Administration, which has approved more than $2 billion in disaster loans to 32,500 residents and businesses in states affected by Hurricane Sandy, including NewJersey, has extended the deadline to file applications for physical disaster loans until May 1, 2013.While the vast majority of disaster loans have been for home repairs, more than 2,500 business disaster loans, totaling over $260 million, have been approved.If you haven’t already done so, New Jersey businesses impacted by Hurricane Sandy are encouraged to first register with FEMA at 1.800.621.3362. Those unable to qualify for SBA assistance may be referred to FEMA for grant consideration.If you have already received an SBA disaster loan application, return it as soon as possible. If you need help filling out the application, SBA staffers are available to provide individual assistance at one of the local Recovery Centers. You can also apply online via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.Additional details on the locations of Recovery Centers and the loan application process can be obtained by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 1.800.659.2955 or by sending an e-mail to [email protected].For more information about SBA’s disaster loan program, visit www.sba.gov/sandy.