Need help with a disaster loan? The SBA is in town

Business owners can meet with a Small Business Administration official in Enumclaw or Buckley to go over eligibility and application for low-interest relief loans

Need help filing for a disaster relief loan for your business? The Small Business Administration is in town to help.

SBA customer service representatives stationed themselves at the Green River College Enumclaw campus and the Buckley Multi-Purpose Center last week to help people determine their eligibility for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) in the wake of the White River bridge closure.

The bridge was struck by a vac truck on Aug. 18, severely damaging the structure and necessitating an immediate closure.

After proclaiming the situation an emergency on Aug. 27, Gov. Bob Ferguson requested SBA aid for local businesses on Sept. 12. The SBA announced loans were available to not just King and Pierce County businesses affected by the closure, but businesses in numerous other counties and on tribal lands connecting to these areas.

“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA, said in a press release. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

According to the SBA, the loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofits with terms up to 30 years.

Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

While business owners can apply for a loan at MySBA Loan Portal, SBA officials will be available for walk-in appointments at the Green River College Enumclaw Campus (conference room 19) on Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., from Thursday, Sept. 25 to Thursday, Oct. 9.

They will also be at the Buckley Multi-Purpose Center (formerly City Hall) on Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Sept. 25 to Oct. 9.

Business owners can also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to apply for a loan is June 22, 2026.