The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a reminder to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in California about the approaching deadline of July 18, 2025, to apply for federal disaster loans. These loans aim to offset economic losses resulting from the Airport Fire that occurred between September 9 and October 6, 2024.
The disaster declaration includes several counties: Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego in California, as well as La Paz County in Arizona. Under this declaration, SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is accessible to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofits impacted by financial losses directly linked to the disaster. However, agricultural producers such as farmers or ranchers are not eligible unless they operate small aquaculture enterprises.
These EIDLs provide working capital needed due to the disaster's impact and are available even if there was no physical damage to the business. The loans can be used for various expenses including fixed debts, payrolls, accounts payable, and other bills that could not be paid because of the disaster.
Chris Stallings from the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at SBA stated: "SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster which is crucial for their recovery." He added that these loans assist business owners in resuming operations while supporting local economies post-disaster.
Eligible applicants can receive up to $2 million with interest rates starting at 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for private nonprofits. The terms can extend up to 30 years with no accrued interest or required payments until one year after receiving the first loan disbursement. The loan amounts and terms depend on each applicant’s financial situation.
Applications can be submitted online at sba.gov/disaster or by contacting SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or via email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Telecommunications relay services are available by dialing 7-1-1 for those who need it.
Completed applications must be submitted by July 18.