In an effort to facilitate the recovery for small businesses and private nonprofit organizations hit by the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is setting up Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) across Coconino County, Arizona, reaching out also to affected Tribal Nations. According to an update by Arizona Emergency Information Network, the centers are designed to provide personalized assistance for those looking to navigate the disaster loan application process after sustaining economic losses as of the fires beginning July 4.
The disaster declaration covers multiple Arizona counties, including Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai, as well as Utah counties Kane and San Juan. It also includes several Tribal Nations such as the Fort Mohave Indian Tribe and Navajo Nation. Recovery centers will open with no appointment required, welcoming walk-ins to ensure accessible support. SBA representatives will be available at various dates and locations, including the Navajo Nation LeChee Chapter House and the Coconino County Health and Human Services office, to provide direct assistance to those affected by the fires.
Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the SBA's Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, emphasized the impact of these centers, stating, "Business owners can visit these centers to meet face‑to‑face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery." The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, as detailed by Arizona Emergency Information Network, is available to small businesses and certain nonprofits hit by financial turmoil due to the fires.
These loans, which can assist with working capital needs stemming from the disaster, are being offered even if the business or nonprofit did not suffer any physical damage, terms are set based on each applicant's financial condition which include interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits with repayment terms spanning up to 30 years with the added benefit that interest does not accrue nor are payments due until one year after the loan's first disbursement. Interested parties are encouraged to apply through the SBA's website or contact their Customer Service Center for further information, with a deadline to return economic injury applications set for May 18, 2026.
