The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Utah affected by drought since March 4. The assistance is available under the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
The declaration includes several counties in Utah: Carbon, Daggett, Duchesne, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Piute, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier, Uintah, and Wayne. Additionally, it covers Colorado counties Garfield, Mesa, Moffat, Montrose, and Rio Blanco.
Eligible entities include small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofits with financial losses directly linked to the drought. However, agricultural producers such as farmers or ranchers are not eligible unless they operate small aquaculture enterprises.
The EIDLs aim to address working capital needs caused by the disaster and can be used for expenses like fixed debts and payroll. Businesses do not need to have suffered physical damage to qualify for these loans.
Chris Stallings from the SBA stated: “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover.” He added that they are pleased to offer support to those impacted by these disasters.
Loan amounts can reach up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.62% for private nonprofits. Terms can extend up to 30 years with no interest accruing or payments due until 12 months after the first disbursement. Loan amounts and terms depend on each applicant’s financial situation.
Applications can be submitted online at sba.gov/disaster or through their Customer Service Center via phone or email. The deadline for loan applications is January 5, 2026.