Salem, Oregon – For Oregon businesses affected by this summer’s wildfires, the financial problems may continue long after the immediate emergency has passed. Revenue can disappear, regular bills can pile up, and keeping operations running can become increasingly difficult.
Federal assistance could provide some relief. Oregon officials are reminding businesses and nonprofit organizations that disaster loans of up to $2 million are available for eligible applicants affected by the 2026 wildfires, while separate loan programs remain open for those facing ongoing drought conditions.
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management says the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is accepting applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans following severe storms and wildfires that occurred between July 15 and August 24, 2026.
The assistance is available to qualifying small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses and most private nonprofit organizations. Unlike loans intended for rebuilding damaged property, these funds help cover ordinary operating expenses that organizations cannot meet because of disaster-related financial losses.
Eligible applicants may borrow up to $2 million, with interest rates set at 4% for businesses and agricultural cooperatives and 3.625% for nonprofit organizations. Repayment terms can extend up to 30 years, depending on the applicant’s ability to repay.
The loans cannot be used to refinance existing debt. Depending on location, flood or hazard insurance may also be required.
The wildfire declaration covers 25 Oregon counties, including Baker, Clackamas, Deschutes, Grant, Harney, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Marion, Multnomah, Umatilla, Wasco and Washington.
The application deadline for this wildfire assistance is July 1, 2027. Eligible organizations can review requirements through the MySBA Loan Portal.
Meanwhile, drought-related assistance remains available under separate federal disaster declarations.
For drought conditions beginning March 24 and April 1, the application deadline is March 1, 2027. Businesses affected by drought beginning May 12 have until April 13, 2027, while the deadline for drought beginning June 23 is May 10, 2027.
Affected counties vary by declaration. Additional eligibility information is available through the SBA drought assistance portal.
The federal response follows action by Governor Tina Kotek, who requested agricultural disaster assistance on July 29. On September 21, the USDA designated Gilliam, Klamath, Wasco and Wheeler counties, along with neighboring counties, as disaster areas. A corresponding SBA declaration followed September 24.
Native-owned businesses can also receive technical guidance through the SBA Office of Native American Affairs.
Applications and additional information are available at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants seeking assistance can contact the SBA at (866) SBA-HELP or [email protected].
