Colorado's Elk Fire Triggers Federal Disaster Loans for Local Businesses
Published Date: 10/28/2026
Notice
Summary
Colorado businesses and nonprofits hit by the Elk Fire between July and October 2026 can now apply for special low-interest disaster loans to help recover. Applications are open until July 23, 2027, giving plenty of time to get financial support and bounce back stronger. This declaration covers Hinsdale and nearby counties, offering a financial lifeline with rates as low as 3.625% for nonprofits and 4% for businesses.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
EIDL loans for Elk Fire–affected businesses
If your small business or private nonprofit in the listed Colorado counties was hurt by the Elk Fire between July 09, 2026 and October 01, 2026, you can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). The declaration names Hinsdale as the primary county and the contiguous counties Archuleta, Gunnison, La Plata, Mineral, Ouray, Saguache, and San Juan as covered areas.
Specified low interest rates for EIDLs
The SBA set interest rates for these disaster loans at 4.000% for businesses and small agricultural cooperatives without credit available elsewhere, and 3.625% for private non-profit organizations without credit available elsewhere.
Application open through July 23, 2027
You can apply for these EIDLs through the MySBA Loan Portal (https://lending.sba.gov) until July 23, 2027. The SBA also provides customer service and local application locations for assistance.
Eligibility tied to incident period dates
Only economic injury caused by the Elk Fire during the incident period July 09, 2026 through October 01, 2026 is covered by this declaration for the purposes of EIDL eligibility.
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