If the Cottonwood Fire or the flooding that followed damaged your home, replacing everything you’ve lost can feel overwhelming. Between repairs, damaged belongings, and unexpected expenses, the costs can add up quickly.
If you live in certain parts of Utah or Nevada, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may be able to help.
Despite its name, the SBA doesn’t provide disaster loans only to businesses. Homeowners and renters can also apply for low-interest loans to repair disaster damage or replace essential belongings.
Eligible homeowners may qualify for up to $500,000 to repair or rebuild their primary residence, while homeowners and renters may qualify for up to $100,000 to replace damaged personal property.
The deadline to apply for physical damage loans is November 9, 2026.
Here’s what you need to know about the program, who qualifies, and how to apply.
What Are the SBA Cottonwood Fire and Flooding Disaster Loans?
On September 10, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced disaster loan assistance for residents, businesses, and eligible nonprofit organizations affected by the Cottonwood Fire and subsequent flooding.
The declaration covers damage caused by the disaster between June 22 and July 24, 2026.
The SBA offers several types of disaster loans, including:
- Home Disaster Loans: Help eligible homeowners repair or replace their primary residence.
- Personal Property Loans: Help homeowners and renters replace belongings damaged or destroyed by the disaster.
- Business Physical Disaster Loans: Help eligible businesses and private nonprofits repair or replace damaged property.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Help qualifying businesses and organizations meet necessary financial obligations when a disaster disrupts their operations.
These are loans, not grants. Borrowers must repay the money according to the terms established by the SBA.
However, the program offers reduced interest rates and repayment terms intended to make disaster recovery financing more manageable.
Which Counties Qualify?
The disaster declaration covers the following counties.
Utah
- Beaver County
- Garfield County
- Iron County
- Millard County
- Piute County
- Sevier County
Nevada
- Lincoln County
If your home or personal belongings were damaged by the Cottonwood Fire or related flooding during the designated disaster period, you may qualify for assistance.
However, living in an eligible county does not automatically guarantee approval.
The SBA will review your application, disaster-related losses, and financial circumstances before determining eligibility and loan terms.
How Much Can Homeowners and Renters Borrow?
The amount available depends on the type of damage and the applicant’s circumstances.
Up to $500,000 for Home Repairs
Eligible homeowners may borrow up to $500,000 to repair or replace their primary residence.
This assistance may help cover qualifying disaster-related damage to the home.
The SBA determines the approved amount based on eligible losses and other underwriting requirements.
Up to $100,000 for Personal Property
Homeowners and renters may qualify for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged personal property.
Examples include:
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Vehicles
- Other qualifying household belongings
This assistance can be particularly important for renters who don’t own the building they live in but lost furniture, clothing, or other essential possessions.
You don’t have to own a business to apply for a personal property disaster loan.
Up to $2 Million for Businesses and Nonprofits
Eligible businesses and private nonprofit organizations may qualify for loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged property.
Covered business losses may include buildings, machinery, equipment, inventory, and other qualifying assets.
Separate Economic Injury Disaster Loans may also help eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations meet necessary financial obligations affected by the disaster.
What Are the Interest Rates?
The SBA announced the following starting interest rates for this disaster:
| Applicant Type | Interest Rate |
|---|---|
| Homeowners and renters | As low as 2.875% |
| Private nonprofit organizations | As low as 3.625% |
| Businesses | As low as 4% |
These are the lowest advertised rates, not guaranteed rates for every borrower.
The SBA determines the actual interest rate and loan terms based on each applicant’s financial circumstances and applicable program rules.
Loan terms may extend up to 30 years, depending on eligibility.
When Do Payments Start?
The SBA provides an initial payment and interest relief period for these disaster loans.
According to the agency’s announcement:
- No interest accrues until 12 months after the first loan disbursement.
- No loan payments are due until 12 months after the first disbursement.
This gives approved borrowers time to begin recovering before repayment obligations start.
However, the loan must still be repaid under the terms of the agreement.
Can You Get Extra Money to Protect Your Home From Future Disasters?
Possibly.
The SBA may allow eligible borrowers to request a loan increase of up to 20% of their verified physical damage for approved disaster mitigation improvements.
These improvements are intended to help reduce damage from future disasters.
Depending on the property and the SBA’s approval, qualifying projects may include improvements such as a safe room or other protective measures.
This additional financing is not automatic.
Borrowers must meet the applicable requirements, and the SBA must approve the proposed improvements.
If you’re applying for a physical damage loan, ask the SBA whether mitigation assistance could be available for your property.
Are Farmers and Ranchers Eligible?
The SBA has an important restriction that may affect residents in these rural counties.
Agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers generally cannot receive SBA disaster loans for their agricultural operations.
The SBA identifies an exception for aquaculture enterprises.
If you operate a farm or ranch, don’t assume this SBA program will cover your agricultural losses.
You may need to explore disaster assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture or another agency instead.
If you’re unsure how the restriction applies to your situation, contact the SBA before applying.
Can Businesses Apply Without Physical Damage?
Yes, some eligible businesses and organizations may qualify for assistance even if their buildings or equipment weren’t physically damaged.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program helps qualifying applicants that suffered substantial economic injury because of the disaster.
For example, a business may have lost customers, experienced an interruption in operations, or struggled to cover necessary expenses following the disaster.
Eligible EIDL applicants may include:
- Small businesses
- Small agricultural cooperatives
- Most private nonprofit organizations
Economic injury loans may help cover necessary operating expenses and financial obligations that the applicant cannot meet because of the disaster.
These loans are not intended to cover personal household expenses for homeowners or renters.
The EIDL application deadline is later than the physical damage deadline.
How Do You Apply?
The SBA provides online applications and assistance through its disaster loan program.
Step 1: Visit the SBA Disaster Assistance Website
Start at the official website:
Review the available disaster loan options and application instructions.
Make sure you’re applying for assistance related to the Cottonwood Fire and flooding declaration.
Step 2: Identify the Type of Assistance You Need
Homeowners and renters should review the physical damage loan options for housing repairs and personal property losses.
Business owners and eligible nonprofit organizations may need to consider physical damage loans, economic injury loans, or both.
Step 3: Prepare Your Information
The SBA may request information about:
- Your identity and contact details
- Your property or business location
- The disaster-related damage or losses
- Your income and financial circumstances
- Insurance coverage and claims
- Other information needed to evaluate your application
The exact documentation depends on the type of loan.
If you have insurance, ask the SBA how your insurance claim affects the loan process.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Follow the SBA’s instructions to complete and submit your application.
You can also contact the SBA directly if you need help understanding the application process or identifying the correct loan.
Step 5: Wait for the SBA’s Decision
The SBA will review your application and determine whether you qualify.
The approved amount, interest rate, and repayment terms will depend on the applicable rules and your circumstances.
Applying does not guarantee approval or a particular loan amount.
Where Can You Get In-Person Help?
The SBA announced Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Piute County and Beaver County, Utah.
These locations were established to help disaster survivors learn about the program and receive application assistance.
Piute County Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Location: Piute County Courthouse
550 N. Main St.
Junction, UT
Published Hours:
Thursday and Friday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The center originally opened September 11, 2026.
Beaver County Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Location: Beaver County Administration Office
105 E. Center St.
Beaver, UT
Published Hours:
Monday through Wednesday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The center originally opened September 14, 2026.
Important: These are the schedules published when the centers were announced. Hours and availability may have changed.
Before traveling, confirm that the center is still operating and accepting visitors.
You can also check appointment availability at:
What If You Live in Nevada?
Lincoln County, Nevada, is included in the disaster declaration.
However, the SBA’s announcement identifies outreach centers in Utah and does not provide a separate Nevada location.
Nevada residents can use the SBA’s online application process or contact the agency for assistance.
If you live in Lincoln County, ask the SBA to confirm the applicable deadline and the best way to receive help with your application.
When Is the Application Deadline?
There are two important deadlines, depending on the type of assistance you need.
November 9, 2026: Physical Damage Loans
Homeowners, renters, businesses, and eligible nonprofits seeking assistance for physical disaster damage must apply by November 9, 2026.
This includes loans to repair or replace damaged homes, personal belongings, and qualifying business property.
June 9, 2027: Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Eligible businesses and organizations seeking Economic Injury Disaster Loans have until June 9, 2027 to apply.
This later deadline applies to economic injury assistance, not ordinary homeowner or renter physical damage loans.
If you’re a homeowner or renter who suffered physical losses, don’t confuse the two deadlines.
The November 9, 2026 deadline is the important one for your application.
Is the Program Still Accepting Applications?
As of October 10, 2026, the SBA’s published physical damage application deadline has not passed.
The deadline is November 9, 2026, giving eligible applicants additional time to submit their requests.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications have a later deadline of June 9, 2027.
However, applicants should confirm the current status directly with the SBA, especially if they live in Nevada or need assistance from an outreach center.
The SBA can also explain how the application deadlines apply to your particular situation.
How Can You Contact the SBA?
If you have questions about eligibility, loan terms, application deadlines, or required documents, contact the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center.
Phone: 800-659-2955
Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
Relay Services: Dial 7-1-1
Website: https://www.sba.gov/disaster
Official Announcement: https://legacy.sba.gov/article/2026/09/10/sba-offers-relief-utah-businesses-private-nonprofits-residents-affected-cottonwood-fire-flooding
Relief Recap
Recovering from a fire or flood can be financially overwhelming, especially when your home, belongings, or business have been damaged.
If you were affected by the Cottonwood Fire or subsequent flooding in one of the designated Utah or Nevada counties, the SBA may be able to help.
Eligible homeowners can apply for loans of up to $500,000 to repair or rebuild their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may also qualify for up to $100,000 to replace damaged personal property.
Businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations may qualify for additional disaster loan assistance.
These are loans that must be repaid, but they offer interest rates starting as low as 2.875% for homeowners and renters, with terms that may extend up to 30 years.
The most important deadline for homeowners and renters is November 9, 2026.
If your home or belongings were damaged, visit SBA Disaster Assistance to review your options and begin the application process.
You can also call 800-659-2955 if you need help understanding the requirements.
