Apache Tribe Unlocks Low-Interest Loans Post-Flood

2025-02741, HUBZone Program Updates and Clarifications, and Clarifications to Other Small Business Programs; Correction

The SBA fixed some small but important mistakes in its recent HUBZone and small business program rules to make things clearer and fairer. These corrections affect small businesses using HUBZone and other SBA programs, especially around size protests and financial reporting. The fixes take effect on February 18, 2025, helping businesses avoid confusion and unnecessary paperwork.

2026-20399, Administrative Declaration of an Economic Injury Disaster for the State of Oregon

Oregon businesses hit by severe storms and wildfires from mid-July to late August 2026 can now apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help recover. The SBA opened applications on October 1, 2026, with a deadline to apply by July 1, 2027. Low-interest loans are available for small businesses and nonprofits in affected counties across Oregon, Idaho, and Washington.

2026-20472, Administrative Declaration of a Disaster for the State of Connecticut

Connecticut got hit hard by storms and flash floods on September 13, 2026, and the government just declared it a disaster area. This means people and businesses in Fairfield and nearby counties can apply for low-interest disaster loans to help fix damage or cover lost income. You’ve got until December 1, 2026, to apply for physical damage loans and until July 2, 2027, for economic injury loans—so don’t wait!

2026-20343, The Entire United States and U.S. Territories; Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (MREIDL)

Starting October 1, 2026, small businesses across the U.S. and territories with military reservist employees called to active duty for over 30 days can apply for special disaster loans. These loans help cover everyday business costs while essential employees serve, with applications open for up to a year after the employee returns. The current loan interest rate is 4%, making it easier to keep businesses running smoothly during tough times.

2026-20080, Interest Rates

The Small Business Administration set the Optional Peg Rate at 5.00% for October to December 2026, which affects SBA direct and guaranteed fluctuating interest rate loans. Third Party Lenders funding 504 projects must keep their commercial loan rates within legal limits, capped at 6% above the New York Prime rate or state law limits. These changes help small businesses plan their loan costs for the upcoming quarter.

2026-19942, Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Texas

Texas is getting extra help after severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding hit from July 12 to August 4, 2026. The government added four more counties to the disaster assistance list, so more communities can apply for aid. If you’re affected, you have until November 2, 2026, to apply for physical damage loans and until June 1, 2027, for economic injury loans.

Previous: 2026-04359, City of Pelican, AK; Notice of Application Ready for Environmental Analysis and Soliciting Comments, Recommendations, Terms and Conditions, and Prescriptions

The City of Pelican, Alaska, has applied for a new license to keep running its hydroelectric project on Pelican Creek. This means the government will review the project’s environmental impact and wants your thoughts by May 1, 2026. If you care about clean energy or local changes, now’s the time to speak up before decisions and possible costs move forward.

Next: 2026-04361, Agency Information Collection Request; 30-Day Public Comment Request

The Department of Health and Human Services wants your thoughts on updating a form about civil rights and health info privacy complaints. If you or your organization deal with these issues, this could affect you. You’ve got until April 6, 2026, to share your ideas—no money changes yet, just a chance to make the process better and easier.