The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced that low interest federal disaster loans are now available to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations that sustained economic losses caused by the Lee and Elk Fires and aftermath during the month of August. The SBA issued a disaster declaration on November 18th that covers the Colorado counties of Garfield, Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt as well as Uintah County in Utah. SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations with financial losses directly related to the Lee and Elk Fires. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers. Beginning December 1st, SBA representatives will be on hand at the Business Recovery Center in the Meeker Town Hall Conference Room to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. To apply online, visit lending.sba.gov. Applicants may also call (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
