Special to the HT
MEEKER | Small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Rio Blanco County may be eligible for federal disaster loans following a drought declaration covering much of Colorado, including northwest counties.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it is offering low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help offset financial losses tied to drought conditions that began Nov. 1, 2025.
Rio Blanco County is among more than 50 Colorado counties included in the declaration, along with neighboring counties across state lines in Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico and Nebraska.
The program is open to small businesses, private nonprofit organizations — including faith-based groups — as well as small agricultural cooperatives and nurseries. Agricultural producers, farmers and ranchers are generally not eligible, with the exception of certain aquaculture operations.
Unlike traditional disaster loans tied to physical damage, these loans are designed to cover working capital needs. Funds may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could not be met due to the drought’s economic impact.
Loan amounts are available up to $2 million, with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits. Terms can extend up to 30 years, depending on the applicant’s financial situation. Payments are deferred for the first 12 months after the initial loan disbursement, and interest does not accrue during that period.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator for the agency’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience.
Applications are due Dec. 7. Businesses and nonprofits can apply online at sba.gov/disaster, call 800-659-2955, or email [email protected] for more information. Telecommunications relay services are available by dialing 7-1-1.