Press Release   ·   October 7, 2026

SBA Disaster Loans Available for Oregon Businesses Impacted by 2026 Wildfires, and Ongoing Drought

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is reminding eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses, and most private nonprofit organizations that they may qualify for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans following the severe storms and wildfires that occurred July 15–August 24, 2026.

These low-interest, long-term working-capital loans help organizations meet ordinary financial obligations they are unable to meet because of the disaster.

The federal declaration covers the Oregon counties of Baker, Clackamas, Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler, and Yamhill.

Key SBA Wildfire Disaster Loan Details

• Application deadline: July 1, 2027
• Loan amounts: Up to $2 million, based on economic injury
• Interest rates: 4% for businesses and agricultural cooperatives; 3.625% for nonprofits
• Loan terms: Up to 30 years, based on ability to repay
• Eligible use of funds: Working capital only (loans cannot be used to refinance existing debt)
• Insurance requirements: Flood or hazard insurance may be required depending on location
• More information: MySBA Loan Portal

Drought Disaster Loans Also Still Available

SBA continues to offer low-interest federal disaster loans to eligible small businesses and private nonprofit organizations impacted by ongoing drought conditions in Oregon. Additional information is available on the MySBA Loan Portal.

Drought Disaster Deadlines and Affected Counties

Drought beginning March 24
Counties: Benton, Clackamas, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Polk, Wasco, Wheeler, Yamhill
Application deadline: March 1, 2027

Drought beginning April 1
Counties: Baker, Clackamas, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Lake, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wasco, Wheeler
Application deadline: March 1, 2027

Drought beginning May 12

Counties: Benton, Deschutes, Harney, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Polk
Application deadline: April 13, 2027

Drought beginning June 23

Counties: Grant, Malheur, Union, Wallowa
Application deadline: May 10, 2027

Technical Assistance for Native-Owned Businesses

The SBA Office of Native American Affairs offers technical assistance to help Native entrepreneurs navigate SBA programs, including access to capital, federal contracting, and business development resources. Support is available for tribal enterprises and Native-owned small businesses working to start, grow, or recover from disaster impacts.

More information is available on the Office of Native American Affairs website. If phone lines are busy or unresponsive, applicants are encouraged to use the online contact form or alternative SBA customer service channels.

Additional Assistance for All

Businesses and organizations can apply online at sba.gov/disaster. Additional assistance is available by calling the SBA National Support Network Center at (866) SBA-HELP or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Background on this Declaration

Governor Tina Kotek requested federal agricultural assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on July 29, 2026, following wildfire‑related losses across Oregon. USDA subsequently conducted damage assessments and, on September 21, approved a Secretarial Disaster Designation for Gilliam, Klamath, Wasco, and Wheeler Counties, as well as 13 neighboring counties. This designation makes affected agricultural producers eligible for USDA emergency loan programs.

Following USDA’s action, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a corresponding disaster declaration on September 24. This allows businesses in the same primary and contiguous counties to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). SBA declaration OR‑20030 is linked to the USDA wildfire disaster designation, while OR‑20031 stems from the Governor’s direct request.

It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to lead collaborative, statewide efforts to support Oregon’s communities before, during and after emergencies, with a vision to create a ready and resilient Oregon. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.

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