SBA Offers Relief to Washington Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the White River Bridge Closure

WASHINGTON - TheU.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced low interest federal disaster loans are now available to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Washington who sustained economic losses caused by the White River Bridge closure beginning Aug. 18. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Bob Ferguson on Sept. 12.

The disaster declaration covers the Washington counties of Chelan, King, Kitsap, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston and Yakima as well as the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, Puyallup Tribe, Skokomish Indian Tribe, Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, Squaxin Island Tribe, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Suquamish Tribe and Tulalip Tribes.

Under this declaration, SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs including faith-based organizations with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

"SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery," said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "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."

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.625% for PNPs 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.

"SBA's Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster," said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "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."

Beginning Thursday, Sept. 25, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Business Recovery Centers in King County and Pierce County to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.

The centers hours of operation are as follows:

KING COUNTY
Business Recovery Center
Green River College - Enumclaw Campus
Conference Room 19
1414 Griffin Ave.
Enumclaw, WA 98022

Opens 12:00 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25
Mondays - Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Closes permanently at COB Thursday, Oct. 9

PIERCE COUNTY
Business Recovery Center
Multi-Purpose Center
(Formerly Buckley City Hall)
811 Main St.
Buckley, WA 98321

Opens 12:00 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25
Mondays - Fridays, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Closes permanently at COB Thursday, Oct. 9

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to return economic injury applications to the SBA is June 22, 2026.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit https://www.sba.gov.