Following the series of severe weather events that struck Oregon in March and April, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has stepped in to offer a financial lifeline. As declared today by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, the SBA will provide disaster assistance to residents and businesses hit by the storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides.
With Governor Kotek’s approval, this assistance will come in the form of loans for home repairs, business damages, and economic injury. The available loans include up to $500,000 for home property damage, $100,000 for personal belongings, and up to $2 million for business physical damages and economic injury disaster loans (EIDL). However, those interested need to apply before deadlines: August 25, 2025, for physical damage and March 24, 2026, for economic injury in several counties, followed by a March 25, 2026 deadline for economic injury in additional counties affected later in the disaster period. More information is available, including fact sheets in both English and Spanish, as per the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.
To ease the application process, Oregonians can start by applying online at the SBA’s lending page or can choose to do so in person at designated locations in Douglas and Harney counties, with more sites to open subsequently. The declaration spans multiple counties, namely Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Crook, Deschutes, Grant, Harney, Lake, and Malheur, reflecting the widespread impact of the natural disasters.
Understanding that navigating disaster relief can be daunting, the SBA has made available a helpline to support applicants throughout the process. Those requiring assistance can call toll-free at 1-800-659-2955 or for TTY users, 7-1-1, to seek guidance.
