**All information on this declaration is available online at https://lending.sba.gov/search-disaster/?disaster=AZ-20018.

Application Deadline: December 7, 2026

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding Arizona businesses and private nonprofit organizations impacted by ongoing drought conditions that the deadline to apply for federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) is approaching.

Under disaster declaration AZ-20018, eligible organizations experiencing economic hardship due to drought conditions beginning January 1 may qualify for low-interest federal loans to help cover operating expenses and maintain business operations.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Small businesses
• Private nonprofit and faith-based organizations
• Small agricultural cooperatives and nurseries
• Small aquaculture enterprises

In Arizona, eligible counties include Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Maricopa, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yuma.

What Loan Assistance Is Available?

Through the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, eligible applicants may qualify for:

• Up to $2 million in loan funding
• Interest rates as low as 3.625% for private nonprofit organizations
• Loan repayment terms of up to 30 years
• No interest or required payments during the first 12 months following loan disbursement

These loans are intended to provide working capital assistance for operating expenses and other financial obligations that organizations may have been unable to meet due to the disaster.

How to Apply

Eligible businesses and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to submit their applications before the upcoming deadline.

Application Deadline: December 7, 2026

Applications can be submitted online through the SBA's disaster loan assistance portal:

Apply for SBA Disaster Loan Assistance

For questions about the application process, applicants may contact the SBA National Support Network Center at (866) SBA-HELP or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

The Mesa Chamber encourages local businesses and nonprofit organizations to review these resources and share this information with others who may qualify for assistance.