Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available for eligible small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Chattooga County affected by ongoing drought conditions.

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced a disaster declaration on May 18, 2026, for Chattooga County and surrounding areas. The declaration is intended to help offset economic losses caused by drought conditions that began February 17, 2026.

The loans are Economic Injury Disaster Loans, or EIDLs, which provide working capital to help businesses meet ordinary financial obligations they may not be able to cover because of the drought.

Eligible applicants include small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses, and most private nonprofit organizations. Agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers are not eligible for SBA disaster loans, but may qualify for assistance through the USDA.

Interest rates are capped at 4 percent for small businesses and 3.625 percent for private nonprofits, with terms available up to 30 years.

The deadline to apply for economic injury assistance is January 4, 2027.

Businesses may apply online through the SBA Disaster Loan Portal, by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.