October 26, 2026 – Small Businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations affected by this summer’s wildfire smoke and evacuations may have access to federal financial assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This assistance is intended to help organizations address financial challenges due to the recent wildfire impacts including dangerous air quality and boundary waters closures, physical damage to property is not required to apply.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program can provide low interest loans to eligible businesses in northern Minnesota that experienced financial hardship, these loans can be used for payroll, rent, utilities, and other necessary operating expenses. Eligible applicants may qualify for loans up to $2 million, depending on financial circumstances and demonstrated needs. Loan approval, interest rates, and repayment terms are determined by the SBA.
Thanks to some of the local small businesses, Cook County Emergency Management was able to gather data to qualify Cook County for this federal assistance program. The Cook County Community Center is hosting an SBA center, which opened Wednesday, October 28th. It will be open on weekdays from 9am-6pm until November 10th and will additionally be open on Saturdays during that period from 9am-1pm, please note that it will be closed on November 3rd for Election Day.
Businesses and non-profits affected by the wildfire are encouraged to stop by and work with the SBA staff to learn about disaster recovery options, review program requirements and confirm whether assistance is available to them. No appointments are necessary, you may also visit www.sba.gov/disaster for additional information.
