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 Nebraska affected by drought conditions that began on May 6. The assistance is aimed at offsetting economic losses due to the drought.
The disaster declaration includes several counties in Nebraska, such as Adams, Boone, Buffalo, Clay, Custer, Dawson, Fillmore, Franklin, Greeley, Hall, Hamilton, Harlan, Howard, Kearney, Merrick, Nance, Nuckolls, Phelps, Platte, Polk, Sherman Webster and York.
Through the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program small businesses and certain nonprofits can receive financial aid if they have suffered economic losses related to the drought. However agricultural producers farmers or ranchers are not eligible unless they are small aquaculture enterprises.
These loans can cover working capital needs even if there was no physical damage to the business or nonprofit. The funds may be used for fixed debts payroll accounts payable and other expenses impacted by the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” stated Chris Stallings associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
Loan amounts can reach up to $2 million with interest rates starting at 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits with terms extending up to 30 years. No interest accrues nor payments are required until 12 months after the first loan disbursement date. The SBA determines loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
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 for more information on disaster assistance. Those who are deaf hard of hearing or have a speech disability should dial 7-1-1 for telecommunications relay services.
Completed loan applications must be submitted by March 9 2026.