PRESS RELEASE
RBC | The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced low interest federal disaster loans are now available to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Colorado who sustained economic losses caused by the Lee and Elk Fires, mudslides and debris flows occurring Aug. 2-29.
The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Jared Polis on Nov. 17.
The disaster declaration covers the Colorado counties of Garfield, Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt as well as the Utah county of Uintah.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs including faith-based organizations with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.
“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate
administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.625% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
“SBA’s Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster
Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Business owners can visit these centers to meet face-to-face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.”
Beginning Monday, Dec. 1, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Business Recovery Center in Meeker to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.
The center’s hours of operation are as follows:
Business Recovery Center
Meeker Town Hall Conference Room
345 Market St., Meeker, CO 81641
Opens 12 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1
Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closes 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. The deadline to return economic injury applications to the SBA is Aug. 18, 2026.