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 Wyoming. This initiative aims to offset economic losses caused by drought starting May 1.
The declaration includes Wyoming counties such as Campbell, Converse, Crook, Fremont, Lincoln, Niobrara, Park, Sublette, Teton, and Weston. It also covers Idaho counties Bonneville, Fremont, and Teton; Montana's Gallatin County; and South Dakota's Custer, Lawrence, and Pennington counties.
Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is accessible to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofits with financial losses directly related to the drought. However, agricultural producers like farmers or ranchers are not eligible unless they are small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs can be used for working capital needs resulting from the disaster. They are available even if no physical damage occurred to the business or nonprofit. The loans may cover fixed debts, payrolls, accounts payable, and other bills unpaid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings of the SBA's Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. “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 as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits over terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue nor are payments due until 12 months after the first loan disbursement date. Loan amounts and terms depend on each applicant’s financial condition.
Applications can be submitted online at sba.gov/disaster or through SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or via email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. For those who are deaf or 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.
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