Federal Disaster Loans Available to Small Businesses Impacted by Willow Fire

Lake County, Colo. — Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and eligible private nonprofit organizations in Lake County that experienced financial losses due to the Willow Fire between Monday, June 28 through Thursday, September 16, 2026 may qualify for federal disaster assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provides low-interest loans to help businesses recover from economic disruptions caused by disasters. Businesses do not need to have sustained physical property damage to be eligible. Businesses that experienced reduced revenue, canceled reservations, disrupted operations, or other financial impacts related to the Willow Fire are encouraged to explore the program.

EIDL funds can help cover normal operating expenses, including payroll, rent, fixed debts, accounts payable, and other bills that businesses would otherwise have been able to pay had the disaster not occurred.

Loans offer fixed interest rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.625% for eligible private nonprofits, with repayment terms of up to 30 years. Interest does not begin accruing, and payments do not start, until 12 months after the first loan disbursement. Loan amounts, eligibility, and repayment terms are determined by the SBA based on each applicant's financial circumstances.

The deadline to apply is Friday, July 23, 2027. 
There is no cost to apply, and applicants are not obligated to accept a loan if approved.

How the Willow Fire May Have Impacted Your Business

The economic effects of wildfires often extend far beyond the areas directly affected by flames. Businesses throughout the region may have experienced financial losses even if they remained open and their property was never threatened.

Examples of potential impacts include...

• Reduced tourism and visitor spending: Hotels, restaurants, retailers, and outdoor recreation businesses experiencing cancellations, fewer customers, or declining revenue due to smoke, evacuations, road closures, or disruptions to recreation.
• Operational and supply chain disruptions: Businesses facing delayed deliveries, interrupted services, postponed projects, or other challenges affecting normal operations.
• Cash flow shortages: Seasonal businesses and other enterprises struggling to cover payroll, inventory, rent, or other operating expenses due to disaster-related revenue losses.

Businesses experiencing these or similar impacts are encouraged to contact the SBA or their local Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to better understand the program and determine whether applying may be appropriate.

What You Need To Apply

In preparation for your application, please ensure you have the following documents ready and available:

• Government ID and Business EIN
• Recent Federal Income Tax Return
• Contact Information: For you and all additional applicants, as applicable
• Financial Information: Income and monthly expenses
• Insurance Information: Details of existing coverage and claims, if available

In-Person SBA Assistance Available Through Tuesday, November 10, 2026

The SBA has established a temporary Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Leadville, where representatives are available to answer questions and assist business owners with EIDL applications.

• Location: Lake County Public Library (Baby Doe Room), 1115 Harrison Ave., Leadville, CO 80641
• Hours: Monday & Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Closing Date: Closes at close of business on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

Business owners are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to speak directly with SBA representatives before the temporary center closes.

How to Apply or Get Assistance

Apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan: Visit sba.gov/disaster or contact the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

Schedule No-Cost Colorado SBDC Business Advising: Visit the Colorado SBDC serving the Central Mountain region at sbdc.colorado.gov/centralmountain or call 719-221-0374 to schedule a confidential, one-on-one appointment with a business advisor.

EIDL application deadline: Friday, July 23, 2027.

Ongoing Business Assistance Available Through the Colorado SBDC

Although the SBA's temporary Business Recovery Center will close Tues., Nov. 10, local businesses can continue receiving no-cost, confidential, one-on-one advising and assistance through the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Colorado SBDC advisors are available to help business owners understand the EIDL application process, prepare financial documentation, assess cash flow needs, develop strategies for recovery and connect with the SBA. Even if your EIDL application was denied, the Colorado SBDC is here to support a reconsideration request.

Beyond disaster assistance, Colorado SBDC services are available year-round to support businesses at every stage, including financial planning, access to capital, marketing, operational improvements, and long-term business resilience.

Businesses do not need to wait until they are in financial distress to seek assistance. The Colorado SBDC encourages business owners to reach out early to explore available resources and plan for continued recovery.

About the Colorado Small Business Development Center

The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is Colorado’s most trusted business resource. We empower businesses to start, grow, and thrive, ultimately fueling innovation, strengthening local economies, and driving economic vitality across the state. Since 1987, the Colorado SBDC has been the state's only nationally accredited, go-to resource for entrepreneurs and business owners at every stage. With 14 Service Centers, over 25 Satellite Centers, and a network of more than 240 business experts, the Colorado SBDC delivers no-cost, confidential one-on-one advising, essential training, and vital connections to community resources. To learn more, visit sbdc.colorado.gov. This program is supported by Federal Funding.

Beyond disaster recovery applications, the SBDC provides confidential, no-cost consulting across every stage of business ownership:

• Financial forecasting & cash flow modeling: Preparing the financial statements and debt schedules required for federal relief programs.
• Operational resilience: Building continuity plans to weather future climate, staffing, and supply disruptions.
• General business growth: Strategic planning, digital marketing, and capital access consulting year-round

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.