Low-interest federal disaster loans now available through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for businesses in the areas here that were declared a natural disaster due to drought.
These loans are designed to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations recover from financial losses caused by the ongoing drought that began March 25, 2025.
Businesses in the quad-state region may be eligible, including:
–Maryland counties: Washington, Allegany, and Frederick
–Pennsylvania counties: Franklin and Fulton
–Virginia county: Loudoun
–West Virginia counties: Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) can help cover operating expenses such as rent, payroll, bills, and other costs that couldn’t be paid because of the drought. Businesses do not need to have physical damage to qualify.
Eligible applicants include:
–Small businesses
–Aquaculture enterprises
–Small agricultural cooperatives and nurseries
–Private nonprofit organizations (PNPs)
Traditional farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers are not eligible under this program, but can seek help from the USDA Farm Service Agency.
The deadline to return economic injury applications is February 2, 2026.
To learn more or apply, visit: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance where you can access the U.S. Small Business Administration Fact Sheet – Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
