Oct. 8 Application Shutoff Approaches for SBA Disaster Loans Following LA Wildfires

Businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, including the Eaton Fire, have until Oct. 8 to apply for up to $2 million in low-interest federal disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, according to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

The disaster period began Jan. 7, and the loans are available to eligible entities in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Ventura and Kern counties. Applicants may include small businesses with fewer than 500 employees, private nonprofits, agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and faith-based organizations that suffered economic losses directly related to the wildfires. Physical damage is not required to qualify.

“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery. 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,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience.

Loan terms extend up to 30 years, with interest rates as low as 3.625% for nonprofits and 4.00% for businesses. No payments are required for the first 12 months; for specific details about interest accrual during the initial period, applicants should check current U.S. Small Business Administration rules or official documentation. Funds may be used for working capital needs such as payroll, fixed debts, accounts payable and other operational expenses that could not be covered due to the disaster.

Applications can be submitted online at sba.gov/disaster, through the MySBA Loan Portal at lending.sba.gov, or by calling the U.S. Small Business Administration Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955. The center operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants may also email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for assistance.

In-person support is available at two Survivor Support Locations, Altadena Community Center, 730 East Altadena Drive and One Stop Rebuilding Center, 1828 Sawtelle Boulevard in Los Angeles.