WASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration announced Tuesday low-interest federal disaster loans are available to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Arizona to offset economic losses caused by the Pocket Fire occurring June 19 – July 30. SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Katie Hobbs on Aug. 7.
The disaster declaration covers the Arizona counties of Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Yavapai as well as the Utah counties of Kane and San Juan. Businesses and private nonprofits within these counties are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan including the tribal nations of Ak-Chin, Colorado River Indian Tribe, Fort McDowell Yavapai, Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, Gila River, Havasupai Tribe, Hopi Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Kaibab Paiute Tribe, Navajo Nation, Salt River Pima-Maricopa, San Carlos Apache Tribe, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, Tohono O’odham Nation, Tonto Apache Nation, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Yavapai Apache Nation, Yavapai-Prescott Apache Tribe, and the Pueblo of Zuni, which fall wholly or partially in the primary and contiguous counties.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofit organizations — including faith-based organizations — with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or private nonprofit did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills which could not be paid due to the disaster.
“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at SBA. “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.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofits with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 12, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Business Recovery Center in Sedona to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. Walk-ins are welcome, and you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.
The hours of operation are as follows:
YAVAPAI COUNTY
Business Recovery Center
Sedona Chamber of Commerce Administrative Office
Conference Room
45 Sunset Dr.
Sedona, AZ 86336
Opens Wednesday, Aug. 12 at noon
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
“SBA’s Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster,” Stallings said. “Business owners can visit these centers to meet face to face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.”
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov 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.
The deadline to return economic injury applications is May 11, 2027.
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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.