FOLEY, Ala. — The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce is sharing information from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) regarding federal disaster assistance available to eligible small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Baldwin and Escambia counties in Alabama that have experienced economic losses related to drought conditions beginning February 3, 2026.

The SBA has announced the availability of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help qualifying organizations meet working-capital needs and cover operating expenses affected by the drought. The assistance is part of a disaster declaration that includes several Florida counties, as well as Baldwin and Escambia counties in Alabama.

Who May Apply

Eligible applicants may include small businesses, private nonprofit and faith-based organizations, small agricultural cooperatives and nurseries, and small aquaculture enterprises.

Loan Assistance Available

Economic Injury Disaster Loans provide working-capital assistance for eligible operating expenses resulting from the disaster. According to information provided by the SBA:

• Loan amounts may be up to $2 million.
• Interest rates may be as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofit organizations.
• Loan terms may extend up to 30 years.
• Interest does not accrue and payments are not required during the first 12 months following the initial loan disbursement.

The SBA determines individual loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition. These general EIDL provisions are also reflected in other 2026 SBA drought disaster declarations.

Application Deadline: April 26, 2027

Businesses and organizations that believe they may qualify are encouraged to review the program information and apply before the deadline.

Apply for SBA Disaster Assistance

For questions about an application or SBA disaster assistance, contact the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

📃 SBA Disaster Assistance Available for Florida Businesses and Private Nonprofits

📃 U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FACT SHEET – ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS