The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in several counties in Washington and Idaho affected by drought beginning July 15.
The declaration includes the Washington counties of Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman, as well as Idaho’s Benewah, Bonner, and Kootenai counties.
Eligible applicants include small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofits—including faith-based organizations—that have experienced financial losses directly related to the drought. The SBA clarified that agricultural producers, farmers or ranchers are not eligible for these loans unless they operate small aquaculture enterprises.
These Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are intended to help with working capital needs resulting from the disaster. Funds can be used for fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could not be paid due to the drought’s impact. Businesses do not need to have suffered physical damage to qualify.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said 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 as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofits. Repayment terms may extend up to 30 years depending on each applicant’s financial condition. Interest does not accrue nor are payments required until 12 months after the first loan disbursement.
Applications can be submitted online at sba.gov/disaster or by contacting SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information about disaster assistance options. Telecommunications relay services are available by dialing 7-1-1 for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Completed loan applications must be submitted no later than March 24, 2026.