SBA offers relief to Arizona businesses affected by fires

(The Center Square) — Gov. Katie Hobbs this week announced financial relief is available to businesses that have been affected by the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires.

Both fires started in July and have continued to burn. The Dragon Bravo Fire and the White Sage Fire were started due to lightning.

The Dragon Bravo Fire, currently the nation's largest wildfire, has burned 145,498 acres, while the White Sage Fire is 58,985 acres, according to a U.S. government website.

Firefighters have made progress on both blazes. As of Wednesday, the White Sage Fire was 98% contained, and the Dragon Bravo Fire was 62% contained.

The Dragon Bravo Fire is burning in the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. The White Sage Fire is burning in Fredonia, which is four miles from the Arizona-Utah border.

Because many Arizona businesses were affected by the fires, the U.S. Small Business Administration issued an Administrative Declaration of Economic Disaster for the state.

This federal government program allows eligible businesses and nonprofits to get low-interest-rate loans.

The SBA said these loans are for working capital needs resulting from the fires. It added these loans can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll and bills.

The 30-year loans can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits. With these loans, interest does not accrue, and due dates for payments to the SBA don't start until a year after the first loan disbursement.

According to the SBA, businesses in Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai counties are eligible for the loans. Also eligible are companies located in the Navajo Nation and the areas of the Hopi, Havasupai, Hualapai and San Juan Southern Paiute tribes.

The deadline for applications to the SBA is May 18, 2026. To apply, go to lending.sba.gov.

Hobbs said the wildfires have affected communities surrounding the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, which have caused “financial hardship” and put “livelihoods in jeopardy.”

“Arizonans who work hard and provide jobs to our neighbors should know that we have their back. That’s why we are unlocking critical financial support to help our businesses recover and keep Arizona workers and families strong,” the governor said Tuesday.

“I’m grateful to the U.S. Small Business Administration for their support,” she added.