WASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has renewed its call for eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organisations in Oklahoma to apply for federal disaster assistance designed to help cover economic disruption linked to severe spring weather events, with applications due by 23 February 2026.
The agency said the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programme is intended to support organisations that experienced financial strain as a direct result of wildfires and straight-line winds, even where physical damage was not reported.
The disaster declaration applies to a broad list of Oklahoma counties: Canadian, Cleveland, Creek, Garfield, Grady, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, McClain, Noble, Oklahoma, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Pawnee, Payne, Pottawatomie and Tulsa.
Support aimed at working capital and continuity
Under the declaration, the SBA said its EIDL programme is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organisations, including faith-based organisations, provided they have experienced financial losses directly related to the disaster.
The SBA also clarified that it is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises, reflecting eligibility rules that separate certain agricultural activities from this form of SBA support.
Unlike loans focused on repairing physical damage, EIDL funding is designed to address working capital needs, helping organisations manage the knock-on effects of disruption such as reduced revenue, delayed customer payments, and increased operating pressure.
The SBA said the loans may be used to meet essential ongoing costs, including fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster. Importantly, the agency said EIDLs remain available even if the applicant did not experience physical damage, as long as there is a qualifying economic impact.
“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 the 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.”
Loan amounts, rates and repayment terms
The SBA said eligible applicants may be able to access loans of up to $2 million, depending on their financial situation and assessed need.
Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofits, with repayment terms of up to 30 years, according to the agency. The SBA said it sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To help ease the immediate burden on cashflow, the SBA added that interest does not accrue and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement, giving borrowers time to stabilise operations before repayments begin.
How to apply and what to expect
Applicants can submit an application online via sba.gov/disaster, the SBA said. Support is also available through the SBA’s Customer Service Center on (800) 659-2955, or by email at [email protected] for those seeking additional information on eligibility or the application process.
For individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, the SBA said telecommunications relay services can be accessed by dialling 7-1-1.
The SBA noted that after the application deadline has passed, there is a 60-day grace period in which it will continue to accept submissions. Businesses and nonprofits that believe they were financially affected by the disaster period are encouraged to review their records, assess their working capital needs, and apply as early as possible to allow time for processing and follow-up requests.
