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SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Utah Small Businesses
Small nonfarm businesses in three Utah counties and neighboring counties in Arizona and Nevada are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary county that began Oct. 8.
- Primary Utah counties: Washington;
- Neighboring Utah counties: Iron and Kane;
- Neighboring Arizona county: Mohave;
- Neighboring Nevada county: Lincoln.
When farmers face crop losses and a disaster is declared by the Secretary of Agriculture, SBA working capital loans become a lifeline for eligible small businesses. “These loans are the backbone that helps rural communities bounce back and thrive after a disaster strikes,” Sánchez said.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster,” Sánchez continued.
Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
“Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4 percent for businesses and 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years and are available to small businesses and most private nonprofits without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship,” Sánchez added.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the initial disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on Dec. 9.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] 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 deadline to apply for economic injury is Aug. 11, 2025.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Nevada Small Businesses
Small nonfarm businesses in nine Nevada counties and neighboring counties in Arizona, California and Utah are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary counties that began Oct. 8.
- Primary Nevada counties: Clark, Lincoln and Nye;
- Neighboring Nevada counties: Churchill, Esmeralda, Eureka, Lander, Mineral and White Pine;
- Neighboring Arizona counties: Mohave;
- Neighboring California counties: Inyo and San Bernardino;
- Neighboring Utah counties: Beaver, Iron, Millard and Washington.
When farmers face crop losses and a disaster is declared by the Secretary of Agriculture, SBA working capital loans become a lifeline for eligible small businesses. “These loans are the backbone that helps rural communities bounce back and thrive after a disaster strikes,” Sánchez said.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster,” Sánchez continued.
Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
“Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4 percent for businesses and 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years and are available to small businesses and most private nonprofits without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship,” Sánchez added.
On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on Dec. 9.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] 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 deadline to apply for economic injury is Aug. 11, 2025.
Prescribed Fire planned on North Kaibab Ranger District
Fire managers are expecting to conduct a prescribed fire operation on the North Kaibab Ranger District this week. The Telephone Hill Unit is located approximately 14 miles south of Jacob Lake adjacent to State Route 67, which has closed for the winter season. Fire Managers are focusing ignition around the Pleasant Valley Cabin area of the unit to reduce hazardous fuel loads around the cabin and State Route 67 corridor, the operation is expected to affect about 700 acres in that vicinity. Operations could begin as early as Tuesday, December 10, and are expected to be completed in 2-3 days, coinciding with prescribed fires planned on Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim.
Visitors can expect to see and hear a helicopter in the area, as aerial ignitions will occur on portions of the burn. Aerial-drone systems should not be used near the active project area, as they could interfere with aircraft operations. Smoke may be visible from the Jacob Lake area, State Route 89A, and forest areas near this unit. Hikers on the Arizona Trail may experience areas of smoke where the trail passes near the burn unit. Smoke is expected to settle overnight into low-lying drainages surrounding this project area.
Goals of prescribed fire treatments include decreasing the threat of unnatural severe wildfire and potential negative consequences to the community, improving forest health, and reintroducing fire to an ecosystem that relies on frequent fire to maintain resilience. Prescribed fires help reduce hazardous fuels that have accumulated due to drought, climate change, insects and disease, and decades of fire suppression. Fire also recycles nutrients back to the soil, promotes the growth of trees, wildflowers, and other plants, and improves habitat for threatened and endangered species.
Our land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, including reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. These efforts align with the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy which aims to increase prescribed fire and other treatments to improve forest resiliency for generations to come.
All prescribed fires are subject to approval by an agency administrator and by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The department’s Air Quality Division: Smoke Management webpage provides details about its air quality program. To learn more about smoke and public health, visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness.
The Kaibab National Forest remains committed to providing the public with ongoing updates with as much advance notice as possible. Sign up to receive Kaibab NF news releases in your email. Additional information can be found on the Kaibab NF website, X, Facebook, Flickr, or by calling local ranger stations.
Source Kaibab National Forest Mon, 12/09/2024 - 09:55 Keyword North Kaibab Ranger District Telephone Hill Unit Jacob Lake Prescribed Fire hazardous fuels State Route 67 forest health smoke management Wildfire Crisis Strategy air quality. */ /*-->*/
Prescribed Fire planned on North Kaibab Ranger District
Fire managers are expecting to conduct a prescribed fire operation on the North Kaibab Ranger District this week. The Telephone Hill Unit is located approximately 14 miles south of Jacob Lake adjacent to State Route 67, which has closed for the winter season. Fire Managers are focusing ignition around the Pleasant Valley Cabin area of the unit to reduce hazardous fuel loads around the cabin and State Route 67 corridor, the operation is expected to affect about 700 acres in that vicinity. Operations could begin as early as Tuesday, December 10, and are expected to be completed in 2-3 days, coinciding with prescribed fires planned on Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim.
Visitors can expect to see and hear a helicopter in the area, as aerial ignitions will occur on portions of the burn. Aerial-drone systems should not be used near the active project area, as they could interfere with aircraft operations. Smoke may be visible from the Jacob Lake area, State Route 89A, and forest areas near this unit. Hikers on the Arizona Trail may experience areas of smoke where the trail passes near the burn unit. Smoke is expected to settle overnight into low-lying drainages surrounding this project area.
Goals of prescribed fire treatments include decreasing the threat of unnatural severe wildfire and potential negative consequences to the community, improving forest health, and reintroducing fire to an ecosystem that relies on frequent fire to maintain resilience. Prescribed fires help reduce hazardous fuels that have accumulated due to drought, climate change, insects and disease, and decades of fire suppression. Fire also recycles nutrients back to the soil, promotes the growth of trees, wildflowers, and other plants, and improves habitat for threatened and endangered species.
Our land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, including reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. These efforts align with the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy which aims to increase prescribed fire and other treatments to improve forest resiliency for generations to come.
All prescribed fires are subject to approval by an agency administrator and by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The department’s Air Quality Division: Smoke Management webpage provides details about its air quality program. To learn more about smoke and public health, visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness.
The Kaibab National Forest remains committed to providing the public with ongoing updates with as much advance notice as possible. Sign up to receive Kaibab NF news releases in your email. Additional information can be found on the Kaibab NF website, X, Facebook, Flickr, or by calling local ranger stations.
North Kabib Road_FALL2024RX.jpgThe Maricopa County Air Quality Department has declared a No Burn Day for Thursday, December 5 due to elevated levels of PM10 (dust).
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has declared a No Burn Day for Thursday, December 5 due to elevated levels of PM10 (dust).
Take Action
- Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
- Convert your wood burning fireplace to natural gas or propane. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $2,000 to upgrade your fireplace to natural gas by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
- Use electric lawn and garden equipment. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $200 to replace gasoline powered lawn equipment by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Reduce your wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-up, and banks.
- Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
- Use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
- Properly seal household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
No Burn Day Restrictions
- Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
- Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing.
- Off-road vehicles are prohibited from being used.
Regulated Businesses
Businesses conducting dust-generating operations must be vigilant of their dust control measures. Workers may need to cease operating, after stabilizing disturbed areas, if water application and other dust control measures prove ineffective.
PM10 is coarse particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in diameter that are generally emitted from sources such as vehicles traveling on unpaved roads, materials handling, and crushing and grinding operations, as well as windblown.
PM2.5 is fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that result from fuel combustion from motor vehicles, power generation, and industrial facilities, as well as from residential fireplaces and wood stoves.
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has declared a No Burn Day for Wednesday, December 4 due to elevated levels of PM10 (dust).
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has declared a No Burn Day for Wednesday, December 4 due to elevated levels of PM10 (dust).
Take Action
- Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
- Convert your wood burning fireplace to natural gas or propane. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $2,000 to upgrade your fireplace to natural gas by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
- Use electric lawn and garden equipment. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $200 to replace gasoline powered lawn equipment by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Reduce your wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-up, and banks.
- Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
- Use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
- Properly seal household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
No Burn Day Restrictions
- Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
- Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing.
- Off-road vehicles are prohibited from being used.
Regulated Businesses
Businesses conducting dust-generating operations must be vigilant of their dust control measures. Workers may need to cease operating, after stabilizing disturbed areas, if water application and other dust control measures prove ineffective.
PM10 is coarse particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in diameter that are generally emitted from sources such as vehicles traveling on unpaved roads, materials handling, and crushing and grinding operations, as well as windblown.
PM2.5 is fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that result from fuel combustion from motor vehicles, power generation, and industrial facilities, as well as from residential fireplaces and wood stoves.
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has declared a No Burn Day for Tuesday, December 3
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has declared a No Burn Day for Tuesday, December 3 due to elevated levels of PM10 (dust).
Take Action
- Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
- Convert your wood burning fireplace to natural gas or propane. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $2,000 to upgrade your fireplace to natural gas by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
- Use electric lawn and garden equipment. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $200 to replace gasoline powered lawn equipment by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Reduce your wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-up, and banks.
- Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
- Use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
- Properly seal household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
No Burn Day Restrictions
- Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
- Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing.
- Off-road vehicles are prohibited from being used.
Regulated Businesses
- Businesses conducting dust-generating operations must be vigilant of their dust control measures. Workers may need to cease operating, after stabilizing disturbed areas, if water application and other dust control measures prove ineffective.
- PM10 is coarse particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in diameter that are generally emitted from sources such as vehicles traveling on unpaved roads, materials handling, and crushing and grinding operations, as well as windblown.
- PM2.5 is fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that result from fuel combustion from motor vehicles, power generation, and industrial facilities, as well as from residential fireplaces and wood stoves.
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has declared a No Burn Day for Friday, November 29, due to elevated levels of PM2.5 (smoke)
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has declared a No Burn Day for Friday, November 29, due to elevated levels of PM2.5 (smoke)
Take Action
- Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
- Convert your wood burning fireplace to natural gas or propane. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $2,000 to upgrade your fireplace to natural gas by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
- Use electric lawn and garden equipment. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $200 to replace gasoline powered lawn equipment by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Reduce your wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-up, and banks.
- Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
- Use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
- Properly seal household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
No Burn Day Restrictions
- Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
- Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing.
- Off-road vehicles are prohibited from being used.
Regulated Businesses
Businesses conducting dust-generating operations must be vigilant of their dust control measures. Workers may need to cease operating, after stabilizing disturbed areas, if water application and other dust control measures prove ineffective.
PM10 is coarse particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in diameter that are generally emitted from sources such as vehicles traveling on unpaved roads, materials handling, and crushing and grinding operations, as well as windblown.
PM2.5 is fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that result from fuel combustion from motor vehicles, power generation, and industrial facilities, as well as from residential fireplaces and wood stoves.
Deadline Approaching in the Havasupai Tribe for SBA Disaster Loans for Property Damage Due to Flooding
Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today reminded private nonprofit organizations in the Havasupai Tribe of the Dec. 24 deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for property damage caused by flooding that occurred Aug. 22-23. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance.
“As communities across the Southeast continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA remains focused on its mission to provide support to small businesses to help stabilize local economies, even in the face of diminished disaster funding,” said Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “If your business has sustained physical damage, or you’ve lost inventory, equipment or revenues, the SBA will help you navigate the resources available and work with you at our recovery centers or with our customer service specialists in person and online so you can fully submit your disaster loan application and be ready to receive financial relief as soon as funds are replenished.”
According to Sánchez, eligible private nonprofits of any size may apply for SBA federal disaster loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.
In addition, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help eligible private nonprofits meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the private nonprofit suffered any property damage. Private nonprofits have until July 25, 2025, to apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
“SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” Sánchez said. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”
The interest rate is 3.25 percent with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] 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.
Deadline Approaching in California for SBA Working Capital Loans Due to Monsoon, Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding
Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today reminded small nonfarm businesses in three California counties and neighboring counties in Arizona of the Dec. 24, 2024, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by monsoon, heavy rain and flash flooding in the following primary counties that occurred Sept. 1, 2023.
- Primary California county: Imperial;
- Neighboring California counties: Riverside and San Diego;
- Neighboring Arizona counties: Yuma and La Paz.
“As communities across the Southeast continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA remains focused on its mission to provide support to small businesses to help stabilize local economies, even in the face of diminished disaster funding,” said Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “If your business has sustained physical damage, or you’ve lost inventory, equipment or revenues, the SBA will help you navigate the resources available and work with you at our recovery centers or with our customer service specialists, in person and online, so you can fully submit your disaster loan application and be ready to receive financial relief as soon as funds are replenished.”
When farmers face crop losses and a disaster is declared by the Secretary of Agriculture, SBA working capital loans become a lifeline for eligible small businesses. “These loans are the backbone that helps rural communities bounce back and thrive after a disaster strikes,” Sánchez said.
According to Sánchez, small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. “Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact,” Sánchez continued.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage,” Sánchez added.
The interest rate is 4 percent for businesses and 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the initial disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on April 24.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] 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.
SBA economic injury disaster loans available to Arizona small businesses
Small nonfarm businesses in four Arizona counties and a neighboring county in California are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary county that began Nov. 12.
Primary Arizona county: Yuma;
Neighboring Arizona counties: La Paz, Maricopa and Pima;
Neighboring California county: Imperial.
When farmers face crop losses and a disaster is declared by the Secretary of Agriculture, SBA working capital loans become a lifeline for eligible small businesses. “These loans are the backbone that helps rural communities bounce back and thrive after a disaster strikes,” Sánchez said.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster,” Sánchez continued.
Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
“Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4 percent for businesses and 3.625 percent for private nonprofit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years and are available to small businesses and most private nonprofits without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship,” Sánchez added.
On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on Nov. 18.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] 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 deadline to apply for economic injury is July 18, 2025.
Continued prescribed fire activity planned on the Lakeside Ranger
Fire managers plan to continue prescribed fire operations on the Lakeside Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests beginning November 20 through November 22, 2024, as weather and vegetation conditions allow for successful operations.
The 260 burn unit is 796 acres and is 2 miles west of Linden, Arizona, and 3 miles east of Pinedale. The project unit is within Forest Road 143C, Forest Road 9810R, Forest Road 143D, Forest Road 9809L, Forest Road 143, and Forest Road 9810T.
This landscape treatment is a cooperative effort with Arizona Game and Fish Department, Timber Mesa Fire Department, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, and Clay Springs Fire Department.
The objective of this prescribed fire project is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations, minimize the risk of high-severity wildfires, and return the landscape to a more fire-resistant condition, aligning with the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy. The Forest Service's 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy aims to reduce wildfire risk to people, communities, and natural resources while sustaining and restoring healthy, resilient fire-adapted forests.
Smoke may be visible from the City of Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Communities of Pinedale, and Clay Springs and along Highways 60 and 260. Smoke could last for several days after initial ignitions take place, but should be significantly less each day afterwards. We recognize that smoke can impact residents, visitors, and our fire personnel. We will continue to coordinate closely with our partners and communities to minimize smoke impacts as much as possible.
The department’s Air Quality Division: Smoke Management webpage provides details about its air quality program. When smoke impacts are present, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality recommends that smoke sensitive individuals should reduce physical activity and stay indoors with windows and doors closed. For those who are unable to avoid smoke exposure, use of a particulate-filtering respirator mask can help. Real-time mapping of smoke and other air quality impacts is available at fire.airnow.gov.
Visit the A-S National Forests website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf and follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs.
260 PIO Map (1).jpgIncreased smoke production from pile burns along Snowbowl Road
Fire managers with the Coconino National Forest continue to monitor burn piles of slash along Snowbowl Road that continue to smolder and be consumed. These piles continue to produce smoke which may be noticeable to people in the immediate area and will likely increase through the week.
Burning these piles, left over from timber treatments, effectively removes them as a forest fuel. The piles are located about 3 miles up Snowbowl Road (approx. 7.5 miles northwest of Flagstaff), and smoke from these pile burns is expected to increase in the next few days as the piles consume and creep together.
Smoke may impact areas such as Fort Valley and Baderville through Friday and possibly Saturday. Visitors using Snowbowl Road should be aware and use caution as Forest Service personnel and vehicles will be out through the end of the week along Snowbowl Road in the area of the pile burn.
Replanting ‘king of the cactus family’ within Bush Fire burn scar remains a labor of love
The saguaro cactus is a centuries-old icon of Arizona’s landscape, having appeared in more movies than actor John Wayne. Placement of the cactus in cartoons such as the “Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote” imprinted the saguaro on generations of impressionable young viewers.
These jolly green giants of the Sonoran Desert reach heights of 40 to 60 feet and can weigh between two and three tons. Saguaros stand as large green pillars atop the dusty landscape, welcoming visitors with open “arms”.
However, as a native plant in the Sonoran Desert, saguaros did not evolve in a fire-adapted ecosystem. With wildfires growing in size, duration, and destructivity in the Sonoran Desert over the past 40 years, more and more saguaros are dying.
Saguaros’ vulnerability to wildfires was highlighted in the summer of 2020 when a burning vehicle ignited the Bush Fire on the Tonto National Forest. Between June 13 and July 6, the fire scorched 193,455 acres on the forest’s Mesa and Tonto Basin Ranger Districts in the Four Peaks Area. As it grew into the fifth largest wildfire in state history, the Bush Fire burned an estimated 80,000 saguaros.
Four years later, Tonto staff such as Drew Ullberg and Bec Veerman remain undaunted as they continue to explore creative ways to obtain and replant saguaros in the Bush Fire burn scar.
“It involves partnering and collaborating with nurseries, local businesses and soliciting federal funding,” said Veerman, the south zone partnerships and volunteer coordinator
on the Tonto. “It includes hosting meetings and engaging with non-profit organizations like the National Forest Foundation and Natural Restorations to aid in replanting
saguaros in the burn scar.”
Good fortune smiled on the Tonto during restoration planning with Arizona Wholesale Growers.
“The company experienced its own fire that damaged 80 saguaros,” Veerman said. “They no longer could sell those saguaros and graciously donated them to us.
“We also were fortunate to salvage saguaros and other cacti from the Bureau of Land Management outside of Wickenburg (Arizona) in 2021,” Veerman added.
Ullberg, the forest biologist on the Tonto, saw the devastation firsthand during his post-fire visit to the burn scar.
“As the fire ripped through the area, some burned saguaros died instantly,” Ullberg said. “Others lived an additional two or three years from stored water in the cacti before eventually dying.”
Forest Service staff removed unharmed arms from these saguaros and placed the arms in a nursery where they received necessary nutrients to promote growth of new roots.
“If all goes well, the arms are replanted in or around the same location prior to the fire,” Veerman said. “And they have a 20- to 30-year head start compared to saguaros grown from seeds.”
Following his site visit, Ullberg initiated conversations with colleagues in Tucson, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management and researchers at New York University to brainstorm ways to execute medium- to large-scale desert restoration.
“By making friends with researchers, we now have people that are funded through various Forest Service means who monitor and evaluate the land after wildfires,” Ullberg continued.
“Replacing roughly 80,000 saguaros and other native plants will be an arduous task,” Ullberg said. “The Bush Fire wasn’t the first, nor will it be the last, fire to affect the Sonoran Desert’s ecosystem. It seemed logical to organize a group such as a ‘saguaro summit’ or ‘cactus club’, to tap into different areas of expertise and strategize how to replant saguaros and other native species within the burn scar.”
In 2021, he opened a dialogue with Forest Service colleagues in the Southwest Region located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“I emphasized the plight of the Sonoran Desert due to wildfires and the importance of saguaros to the desert’s ecosystem,” Ullberg said.
Advocacy was reflected in the Southwest Region’s March 2022 strategic plan entitled “Looking 20 Years into the Future”. One of the document’s objectives is recovering the Sonoran Desert and increasing the saguaro population to the level that sustains the ecosystem.
Tonto staff also applied for and received funding for the Bush Fire restoration project from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021. This law invests about $5.5 billion in lands and resources entrusted to the Forest Service, including many of the landscapes and watersheds we manage together with our federal, tribal, state, private and other partners.
Of the $5.5 billion, the Forest Service is investing about $3 billion over a five-year period to reduce the risk of wildland fire and restore ecosystems.
Ullberg also was involved in finalizing a recently signed agreement between the Tonto and Desert Botanical Garden wherein the Phoenix-based garden will custom grow saguaros from locally sourced seeds.
“The targeted goal is to grow 10,000 or more cacti by 2028 and replant them in the burn scar,” Ullberg said.
Succulent support from friends
A variety of organizations aid the Tonto’s replanting efforts. Among them is Natural Restorations, an Arizona-based nonprofit organization that works with veterans to revitalize natural areas.
Co-founded by Justin and Nicole Corey, Natural Restorations launched a replanting program in November 2020 following the Bush Fire and started replanting various cacti – including saguaros – in the burn scar in May 2021.
The program evolved into the ‘Save Our Saguaros” restoration project that also includes the National Forest Foundation, Wells Fargo, Four Peaks Brewing Company and the Tonto’s Mesa Ranger District.
Natural Restorations held its 5th annual Save Our Saguaros replanting event and Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 9. Approximately 150 volunteers replanted 100 saguaros in the burn scar, raising the program’s total to 2,283 replanted saguaros. The organization’s own Dedicated Restoration Team also has replanted nearly 5,000 other cacti -- such as hedgehog, barrel and cholla as well as native plants such as ocotillo -- in the burn scar.
Plans are underway for Natural Restorations to conduct more saguaro replanting events in March and April 2025.
“Natural Restorations and its team of veterans have been, and continue to be, the biggest contributor regarding replanting saguaros in the Bush Fire burn scar,” Veerman said. “Natural Restorations is an incredible partner!”
In summer 2022, the Arizona Lottery funded the Goldfield Fire Center’s Cactus Nursery on the Tonto. The nursery provides a safe environment for salvaged saguaros and other native cacti conditioned for restoration within the burn scar. It is part of Arizona Lottery’s ‘Gives Back’ sponsorship program that, in turn, is in partnership with the National Forest Foundation’s ‘Save Our Saguaros’ conservation initiative.
The Four Peaks Brewing Company formally adopted the Bush Fire burn area and has donated thousands of dollars to the National Forest Foundation to aid the restoration project. Additionally, staff periodically water replanted saguaros as needed when the burn scar receives little rainfall.
“We’ve also had Boy Scouts assist in replanting other cacti in the burn scar, such as cholla and prickly pear,” Veerman said. “It’s truly uplifting to coordinate and work with diverse groups interested in helping the Forest Service restore the burn scar.”
Even with public support, Veerman and Ullberg acknowledge that reintroducing saguaros to levels prior to the Bush Fire will take several years. The timeline is partially dependent on whether replanted saguaros fully take root in the Sonoran Desert that occupies the southern half of Arizona. Overall this desert covers approximately 100,387 square miles of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico
Saguaros grow slowly, averaging between 1 and 1.5 inches in their first eight years. When one dies it takes over a century to replace it as saguaros do not reach adulthood until around age 125.
Replanting saguaros supports forest restoration, a foundational component of the Tonto National Forest Land Management Plan. Reforestation aids the environment by preserving biodiversity within the ecosystem.
“Many people think the Sonoran Desert is barren but it’s brimming with life and serves as a keystone ecosystem for the nation,” Veerman said. “Saguaros play a key role by providing shelter, food, and nesting sites for many animals. Their iconic status continues to inspire efforts to preserve the cactus as well as the unique desert ecosystem it anchors.”
A photo of Saguaro Cactus to be planted on the Bush fire burn scar on November 18 2024.jpg A photo of Saguaro Cactus being planted on the Bush fire burn scar on November 18 2024.jpg A photo of Saguaro Cactus being prepared for planting on on the Bush fire burn scar November 18 2024.jpgContinuing Prescribed Fire activity planned on the Black Mesa Ranger District
Firefighters plan to continue prescribed fire operations on the Black Mesa Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests beginning November 20 through November 25, 2024, as weather and vegetation conditions allow for successful operations.
The Rimtop project area is 1,286 acres and is 9 miles west of the community of Forest Lakes. The project area is bounded by Forest Roads 195, 105, 9350, and constructed control lines. Trails around Woods Canyon Lake will also be used as a control line.
The objective is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations, minimize the risk of high-severity wildfires, and return the landscape to a more fire-resistant condition, aligning with the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy. The Forest Service's 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to reduce wildfire risk to people, communities, and natural resources while sustaining and restoring healthy, resilient fire-adapted forests.
Smoke is expected to be visible from the communities of Forest Lakes and Heber-Overgaard, and Highway 260. Smoke may also impact these areas and areas around the unit including FS Roads 195, 105 and 9350. We recognize that smoke can impact residents, visitors, and our fire personnel. We will continue to coordinate closely with our partners and communities to minimize smoke impacts as much as possible.
All prescribed fires on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are subject to Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The department’s Air Quality Division: Smoke Management webpage provides details about its air quality program. When smoke impacts are present, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality recommends that smoke sensitive individuals should reduce physical activity and stay indoors with windows and doors closed. For those who are unable to avoid smoke exposure, use of a particulate-filtering respirator mask can help. Real-time mapping of smoke and other air quality impacts is available at fire.airnow.gov.
Visit the A-S National Forests website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf and follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs.
2024RimTopRx_pio_8x11_20240826.jpgPalo Verde Generating Station emergency notification testing
On Wednesday, November 20, Palo Verde Generating Station (PVGS), in cooperation with local and State agencies, will test the outdoor warning sirens located within a 10-mile radius of the power plant. In conjunction with the siren test and in the same 10-mile radius, Maricopa County will conduct an opt-in Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).
Testing will involve activating the sirens twice and WEA once, sirens will be activated at 12:00 p.m. and again at 12:30 p.m. for approximately three minutes each time. The Opt-in WEA will be tested at 12:15 p.m. Individuals will be stationed at each of the 70 sirens and they will report siren activations and wireless alert notifications to emergency managers following the test.
The siren system is part of the “Alert and Notification System” required by federal regulations. Testing of the siren system is required by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The versatility of the WEA system allows notification to the entire county or specific areas within the county. On November 20, the test area will be limited to the siren test area and only to those phones that have opted-in to receive test alerts.
The message to accompany the WEA will state, “THIS IS A TEST OF MARICOPA COUNTY WIRELESS EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM. NO ACTION IS REQUIRED”.
In the unlikely event of an emergency at Palo Verde requiring public actions, one of three response agencies (Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office or the Arizona Department of Public Safety) will activate the alerting sirens to direct residents to turn on their radios and televisions. Likewise, wireless alerts (activated by Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management) will direct residents to do the same. An Emergency Alert System (EAS) message will then broadcast over radio & television and provide emergency instructions and information.
For more information, contact the Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management at 602-273-1411 or visit Maricopa.gov/ready.
Deadline Approaching in California for SBA Disaster Loans for property damage due to the Airport Fire
Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today reminded California businesses and residents of the Dec. 17, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for property damage caused by the Airport Fire in Riverside County that occurred Sept. 9-Oct. 6.
According to Sánchez, businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters may apply for SBA federal disaster loans to repair or replace disaster damaged property.
These low-interest federal disaster loans are available in Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties in California; and La Paz County in Arizona.
Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.
In addition, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage. The deadline to apply for an SBA economic injury disaster loan is July 18, 2025.
“SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” Sánchez said. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”
Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.
Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.813 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659‑2955 or email [email protected] 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.
Avian Influenza detected
Poultry at a commercial farm located in Pinal County have tested positive for Avian Influenza. When the poultry began showing clinical signs consistent with avian influenza on November 11, 2024, samples from the location were submitted to the Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (AZVDL) for preliminary determination, then submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) for confirmation. Eggs produced after the onset of illness have not entered the food supply. Consumers in Arizona and around the nation can remain confident in the safety and quality of eggs and egg products. The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) has ensured a quick response to alleviate any supply chain challenges.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk to the general public is
considered to be low with those most at risk of exposure being individuals working on a commercial farm, directly involved with the daily care and husbandry of the birds. Information regarding protective actions for workers and the monitoring of avian influenza can be found on the CDC’s website, updated regularly.
"ADHS is collaborating with AZDA in the response to avian influenza and will continue to monitor influenza activity in Arizona in collaboration with local health departments. While the risk to the general public remains low, workers and individuals that may be at risk for exposure to avian influenza should follow public health guidance,"said Nicole Witt, ADHS Assistant Director of Preparedness.
The affected poultry farm has been placed under quarantine on the recommendation of the Director of the AZDA and the AZDA State Veterinarian. Enhanced biosecurity measures are in place and efforts are underway to perform virus elimination. All applicable sanitation responses have been quickly implemented. Our dedicated and experienced team continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure consumer protection is always maintained.
Sick Bird Hotline: If you see signs of illness in your poultry, report them immediately to USDA at 1-866-536-7593. You can also contact your local cooperative extension office, local veterinarian, or your State Veterinarian. For wild bird illness, please contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Pile burning planned November 12 to December 31, 2024 in the Prescott Basin
Fire Managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District plan to take advantage of the fall-like conditions and burn piles of debris in and around the Prescott Basin. (See the map below.) Ignitions are planned to start on Tuesday, November 12, and continue through the end of the year as favorable weather conditions allow. Fire managers expect smoke impacts to be light and visible from multiple locations including Prescott, Chino Valley, and surrounding areas. Pile burning helps to reduce hazardous fuels in the wildland urban interface and increases ecosystem and community resilience.
In the interest of safety, forest visitors are reminded to obey all traffic signs and use caution when traveling in the vicinity of the pile burns as firefighters and fire-related traffic will be in the area.
The purpose of this project is to reduce hazardous fuels following thinning and fuelwood removal activities. Reducing hazardous fuels helps reduce the threat of high-severity, high-intensity wildfire to the public, adjacent private property, and area communities. Burning of debris left over from brush crush and thinning projects requires moisture in the surrounding vegetation and typically produces much lighter smoke than broadcast burning.
All prescribed fire activity is dependent on the availability of personnel and equipment, weather, fuels and conditions that minimize smoke impacts as much as possible, and approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (www.azdeq.gov).
For fire information please call Prescott National Forest Bradshaw/Chino Valley Ranger District at (928) 443-8000. Stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website.
A map of the Prescott Basin Pile Burn on November 8 2024.jpg
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to Arizona small businesses
Small nonfarm businesses in six Arizona counties and neighboring counties in California, Nevada and Utah, are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary counties that began Sept. 10.
- Primary Arizona counties: La Paz and Mohave;
- Neighboring Arizona counties: Coconino, Maricopa, Yavapai and Yuma;
- Neighboring California counties: Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino;
- Neighboring Nevada counties: Clark and Lincoln;
- Neighboring Utah counties: Kane and Washington.
When farmers face crop losses and a disaster is declared by the Secretary of Agriculture, SBA working capital loans become a lifeline for eligible small businesses. “These loans are the backbone that helps rural communities bounce back and thrive after a disaster strikes,” Sánchez said.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster,” Sánchez continued.
Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
“Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4 percent for businesses and 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years and are available to small businesses and most private nonprofits without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship,” Sánchez added.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the initial disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on Nov. 4.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] 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 deadline to apply for economic injury is July 7, 2025.
