Small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in several Kansas counties are now eligible for federal disaster loans to help offset economic losses caused by drought that began on May 27, according to an announcement from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
The affected Kansas counties include Cheyenne, Decatur, Graham, Norton, Phillips, Rawlins, Rooks, Sherman, Smith and Thomas. The declaration also covers Nebraska counties of Dundy, Franklin, Harlan, Hitchcock and Red Willow.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofits—including faith-based organizations—that have experienced financial losses directly related to the drought. However, agricultural producers such as farmers or ranchers are not eligible for these loans unless they operate small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs provide working capital to cover expenses such as fixed debts, payroll and accounts payable that cannot be paid due to the disaster. These loans are available even if the business or organization did not suffer physical damage.
“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.”
Eligible applicants can receive up to $2 million in loan funds. Interest rates are set at 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofits with terms up to 30 years. No interest accrues nor payments are due until 12 months after the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines loan amounts and terms based 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 disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Telecommunications relay services are available by dialing 7-1-1 for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The deadline for submitting completed loan applications is March 24, 2026.
The U.S. Small Business Administration supports entrepreneurs through resources and assistance aimed at starting or growing their businesses as well as recovering from declared disasters via a network of field offices and partner organizations across the country.