Small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Idaho affected by drought can now apply for low-interest federal disaster loans, according to an announcement from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The assistance is available for economic losses resulting from drought conditions that began on July 15.
The SBA declaration covers several Idaho counties, including Ada, Benewah, Blaine, Bonner, Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Gooding, Jerome, Kootenai, Minidoka, Oneida, Owyhee, Power, Shoshone and Twin Falls. It also extends to neighboring areas in Nevada (Elko and Humboldt counties), Oregon (Malheur County), Utah (Box Elder County), and Washington (Spokane County).
Eligible applicants include small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and nurseries, as well as private nonprofits such as faith-based organizations that have suffered financial losses directly related to the drought. However, agricultural producers like farmers or ranchers are not eligible unless they operate small aquaculture enterprises.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provides working capital loans that can be used for expenses such as fixed debts, payroll and accounts payable. These loans are available even if the business or organization did not sustain 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.”
Loan amounts can reach up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofits. Terms may extend up to 30 years. No interest accrues nor are payments due until 12 months after the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines loan terms based on each applicant’s financial situation.
Applications can be submitted online at https://www.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.
Completed applications must be submitted by March 24, 2026.
The U.S. Small Business Administration supports entrepreneurs through resources aimed at starting and growing businesses or recovering from declared disasters via its network of field offices and partnerships with other organizations. More information is available at https://www.sba.gov/.