Last week, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for small businesses and private nonprofit organizations experiencing economic losses from the Pocket Fire.

The disaster declaration, issued on August 11, covers Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai Counties.

As a result, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is now open to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofit organizations with financial losses directly tied to the Pocket Fire.

These loans help cover working capital needs and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Importantly, applicants may qualify even if their business or nonprofit did not sustain physical damage.

SBA customer service representatives are currently available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Business Recovery Center in Sedona, located at 45 Sunset Drive, to assist with the disaster loan application process. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments may also be scheduled by clicking here.

For additional information or to begin an application, please click here, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to submit economic injury applications is May 11, 2027.

“If your business or nonprofit experienced challenges caused by the Pocket Fire, I encourage you to review this avenue of assistance from the SBA. The EIDL program offers eligible applicants low-interest loans, which can help offset losses from this disaster,” said Rep. Crane. “I’m grateful to Administrator Loeffler and her team for issuing this declaration, and I hope this announcement helps hardworking Arizonans recover from this destructive wildfire.”