WASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $10 million in federal disaster loans to support Oklahoma businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and residents affected by the March 14-21 wildfires and straight-line winds. To date, the SBA has provided $311,400 to businesses and $9,939,800 to residents in the wake of this disaster.
“Surpassing $10 million in disaster loans reflects more than just numbers — it represents small businesses reopening, families returning home and communities rebuilding more effectively,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator for the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. “These loans provide vital support for recovery, and we encourage anyone still in need to apply before the deadline.”
Although the deadline for physical damage applications has passed, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs including faith-based organizations with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online, visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than Feb. 23, 2026.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.