SBA offering low-interest loans for businesses impacted by ongoing drought

Small businesses, private nonprofits and agricultural cooperatives from Whatcom and Skagit counties are eligible to apply.

By Jason Upton August 24, 2026 2:26 pm

Golden wheat field in the foreground with green fields and farm buildings on the horizon under a blue, cloud-filled sky. — My Bellingham NowJoe Teehan

WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Support is now available for businesses and nonprofits affected by the ongoing drought.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it’s offering low-interest federal disaster loans for those that have been impacted by the drought since May 12.

Small businesses, private nonprofits and faith-based organizations can apply, along with small agricultural cooperatives and aquaculture enterprises.

Whatcom and Skagit counties are among nine counties in Washington that are eligible for the loans.

The SBA is offering up to $2 million in loan funding with no interest or required payments during the first 12 months. Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofit organizations.

The deadline to apply is April 13, 2027.