The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for eligible Washington small businesses and private nonprofit organizations impacted by the ongoing drought that began May 12, 2026.
Skagit County is among the Washington counties included in the disaster declaration, along with Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Stevens and Whatcom counties.
Under SBA Disaster Declaration WA-20034, eligible organizations may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the drought.
Who May Be Eligible
Eligible applicants may include:
- Small businesses
- Private nonprofit and faith-based organizations
- Small agricultural cooperatives and nurseries
- Small aquaculture enterprises
Agricultural enterprises such as farmers and ranchers are not eligible for SBA assistance under this program. Applicants are encouraged to review SBA eligibility requirements carefully or contact SBA directly with questions about their individual circumstances.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Details
Economic Injury Disaster Loans provide working capital assistance for operational expenses affected by the disaster.
Key loan details include:
- Up to $2 million in loan funding
- Interest rates as low as 4% for eligible small businesses
- Interest rates as low as 3.625% for eligible private nonprofit organizations
- Loan terms of up to 30 years
- No interest or required payments during the first 12 months following disbursement
The actual loan amount and terms are determined by the SBA based on each applicant's economic injury, financial condition and ability to repay.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan under this declaration is:
April 13, 2027
Businesses and organizations may apply online through the SBA Disaster Assistance program at:
sba.gov/disaster
Additional information specific to Washington Disaster Declaration WA-20034 is available through the SBA at:
https://lending.sba.gov/search-disaster/?disaster=WA-20034
Applicants with questions may contact the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
For people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is sharing this information as a resource for local businesses and organizations that may have experienced economic impacts related to the ongoing drought. Members who believe they may qualify are encouraged to review the SBA information and determine whether this assistance may be appropriate for their organization.
Information provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FACT SHEET – ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS
Designation of Economic Injury Disaster #21796 in the State of WASHINGTON Disaster Number WA-20034
21796 WA-20034-01 Initial Declaration Flyer-508
