Summit County businesses have until May 8 to apply for SBA drought relief

Drought conditions in Utah might contribute to a more intense fire season in 2026. Photo: Utah Division of Water Resources

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Small businesses and private nonprofits in Summit County and across Utah have until May 8 to apply for federal disaster loans aimed at helping offset economic losses tied to drought conditions that began July 15, 2025.

The U.S. Small Business Administration on Wednesday reminded eligible businesses and organizations that Economic Injury Disaster Loans remain available under a federal disaster declaration covering 14 Utah counties, including Summit, Wasatch, Salt Lake, and Utah counties.

The declaration applies to Box Elder, Carbon, Davis, Duchesne, Juab, Morgan, Rich, Salt Lake, Sanpete, Summit, Tooele, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber counties.

The loans are intended to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations — including faith-based groups — recover from financial losses directly related to the drought, even if they did not sustain physical damage.

“These loans provide critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, said in a statement. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

According to the SBA, the loans can be used for working capital needs, including fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could not be paid because of the disaster’s economic effects.

Loan amounts can reach up to $2 million. Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofits, with terms of up to 30 years. The SBA said interest does not accrue and payments are not due until 12 months after the first loan disbursement. Loan terms and amounts are determined based on each applicant’s financial condition.

The SBA said agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers are generally not eligible for the loans, though small aquaculture enterprises may qualify.

Utah applicants can apply online through the SBA’s disaster assistance portal. The agency said completed applications should be submitted by May 8, though a 60-day grace period will remain in place after the deadline.

For more information, applicants can contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.