Disaster loans available for Grant County PNPs affected by wildfire

GRANT COUNTY – Private nonprofit organizations within Grant County that were impacted by the 2024 wildfire season could be eligible to receive federal disaster loans up to $2 million from the U.S. Small Business Administration. PNPs within Wheeler, Gilliam, Umatilla, and Wheeler counties as well. Find the full SBA press release below:

(Press Release from the U.S. Small Business Administration)

SBA Offers Disaster Relief for Oregon Hit by Wildfires

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that federal disaster loans are available to certain private nonprofit organizations (PNP) in Oregon that sustained economic losses and physical damage from wildfires that occurred July 10-Aug. 23, 2024.

PNPs that provide essential governmental services may qualify for assistance.

Eligible organizations in Oregon counties of Gilliam, Grant, Umatilla, Wasco and Wheeler are encouraged to apply.

PNP organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. The interest rate is 3.25%, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and monthly payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the initial disbursement.

The SBA also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs, such as ongoing operating expenses for PNP organizations. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the organization suffered any physical property damage.

“SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property, and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”

The loan amount to eligible PNPs can be up to $2 million. The interest rate is 3.25% with terms up to 30 years. The deadline to apply for property damage is March 3. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Oct. 1.

SBA’s Disaster Loan Program funding was replenished via the American Relief Act, 2025, which was signed into law on Dec. 21, 2024. The SBA acted immediately and, within six hours of the Act being signed into law, issued more than 21,000 outstanding commitment letters (loan offers). The SBA will continue to issue new loan offers and ensure survivors quickly understand their loan options.

The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly.

Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at 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.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.


Leave a Comment