Small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Washington County are now eligible for federal disaster relief loans to help recover from financial losses caused by the prolonged drought that began in late March. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has officially declared a natural disaster in the region, making low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) available to qualifying applicants.
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The loans are intended to support operating costs such as rent, utilities, payroll, and other expenses that businesses have struggled to pay due to the drought’s economic impact. These loans do not require applicants to have suffered any physical property damage. Small businesses, private nonprofits, aquaculture operators, nurseries, and small agricultural cooperatives are among those eligible, though traditional farmers and ranchers do not qualify under this program.
Eligible counties include Washington, Allegany, and Frederick in Maryland; Franklin and Fulton in Pennsylvania; Loudoun in Virginia; and Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan in West Virginia. This wide eligibility ensures that the economic support reaches many of the communities most affected by the ongoing dry conditions.
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Applicants have until February 2, 2026, to submit their economic injury loan applications. Residents and business owners can learn more or apply by visiting the SBA’s disaster assistance website. Additional questions may be directed to the Washington County Public Relations and Marketing Department.
Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from a press release issued by the Washington County Office of Emergency Management and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
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