October 14, 2024
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Small nonfarm businesses in five Oklahoma counties and neighboring counties in Texas are now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary county that began Aug. 6.
Primary Oklahoma counties: Roger Mills;
Neighboring Oklahoma counties: Beckham, Custer, Dewey and Ellis;
Neighboring Texas counties: Hemphill and Wheeler.
When farmers face crop losses and a disaster is declared by the Secretary of Agriculture, SBA working capital loans become a lifeline for eligible small businesses. “These loans are the backbone that helps rural communities bounce back and thrive after a disaster strikes,” Sánchez said.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster,” Sánchez continued.
Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
“Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4 percent for businesses and 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years and are available to small businesses and most private nonprofits without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship,” Sánchez added.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the initial disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on Oct. 1.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov 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 apply for economic injury is June 2, 2025.
Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
🎸 Wild Plum Jam Music Fest 2025 – July 19 in Sayre, OK
Get ready, Western Oklahoma — Wild Plum Jam Music Fest 2025 is back and it might get a little Western! 🤠 Join us on Saturday, July 19 at Sayre City Park for a full day of music,
Multi-Agency Sting in Elk City Nets Six Arrests on Drug and Felony Charges
Elk City, OK — A coordinated law enforcement operation led by the Elk City Police Department has resulted in multiple arrests tied to serious criminal offenses, following the execution of several search warrants. The effort, carried out
Elk City High School Graduate Named OCU A.D.
Oklahoma City, OK – Elk City native Sadiaa Jones was recently hired as the new Oklahoma City University Athletics Director. The 1995 Elk City High School graduate has been Executive Athletic Director for Dallas College since 2021.
SWOSU, Community Leaders Visit Fort Sill with Oklahoma Army National Guard
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Representatives from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) and the City of Weatherford recently joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard for a visit to Fort Sill that highlighted the Guard’s military capabilities
SWOSU and OSIDA Partner to Expand Workforce Opportunities
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) and the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Monday, June 9, during a ceremony at SWOSU’s Weatherford campus. The
Alumni Weekend Raises Over $40,000 for SWOSU Football Program
Weatherford, OK – Dozens of Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) alumni and friends spent a stellar weekend celebrating SWOSU Football Legacy weekend June 6 and 7, in Weatherford. Over $40,000 was raised to support the SWOSU football
Concrete Truck Overturns at 20th and Pioneer in Elk City
Elk City, OK – A concrete truck overturned Thursday morning just after 10 a.m. at the intersection of 20th Street and Pioneer in Elk City. According to Elk City Police Chief Eddie Holland, the truck tipped over
Great Plains Regional Medical Center: Helping save lives, decrease Opioids impact
SWODA Press Release Beckham County – SWODA is proud to announce a significant partnership with Great Plains Regional Medical Center. The partnership placed a Naloxone vending machine at the Emergency Room entrance of the hospital, providing 24-hour,
Clinton Utility Customers Urged to Pay Early Ahead of Software Transition
Clinton, OK – The City of Clinton has announced a temporary disruption in utility payment services due to a scheduled software transition. From Tuesday evening, June 17, 2025, through Thursday, June 19, 2025, there will be no
Rick Koch Announces Candidacy for State Senate District 26
Weatherford, OK – Rick Koch, a conservative businessman and community leader, has officially entered the race for Oklahoma State Senate District 26. The announcement came in a press release provided by Koch’s campaign, highlighting a platform centered
Oklahoma Drought-Free for First Time in Nearly Six Years
Oklahoma is officially drought-free—for the first time since June 25, 2019. The U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday, June 12, 2025, shows no signs of drought across the entire state. Not even the typical “Abnormally Dry” (D0)
OSIDA Announces Historic Partnership with Dawn Aerospace to Bring Spaceflight to Oklahoma
OSIDA Press Release Burns Flat, OK – The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) is proud to announce an innovative partnership with Dawn Aerospace that will bring the company’s revolutionary Aurora spaceplane to the Oklahoma Air and
Route 66 Fest Returns to Elk City for Father's Day Weekend Fun
Elk City, OK — The Route 66 Fest is rolling back into Elk City for a weekend packed with entertainment, food, and community celebration just in time for Father’s Day. Hosted at Ackley Park on Friday and
Western Oklahoma Rt 66 Cruise Rolls Through the Heart of Route 66 Communities
Western Oklahoma’s rich stretch of Route 66 will come alive again this summer with the annual Western Oklahoma Rt 66 Cruise, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 13–14. The cruise kicks off Friday morning at 8 a.m.
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum to Host Book Signing With Authors Jim Ross and Shellee Graham
Oklahoma Historical Society Press Release Clinton, OK — On Saturday, June 28, from 1-4 p.m., the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum will host a special signing for the new book “Route 66 – The First 100 Years” with
Fatal Crash Claims Life of El Reno Teen Near Lookeba
Caddo Co., OK – A fatal single-vehicle collision claimed the life of a 17-year-old El Reno male early Tuesday morning, June 10, 2025, in Caddo County. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 3:57
Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Propositions in Cheyenne and Clinton
Voters in both Cheyenne and Clinton turned out Tuesday, June 10, for special elections—and delivered decisive results in favor of two local propositions. Cheyenne Approves PSO Franchise Ordinance In Cheyenne, residents voted 36 to 3 in favor
SoonerCare and SNAP Enrollment Event Coming to Elk City
Elk City, OK — Red Rock Behavioral Health Services is hosting a special outreach event on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at their Elk City Outpatient Office, located at 3080 W. 3rd
Rep. Anthony Moore Reflects on “Strong, Productive” Legislative Session
Oklahoma City, OK – Rep. Anthony Moore (R-Clinton), who served as Speaker Pro Tempore during the First Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature, called the session “phenomenal,” despite a hectic finish. “We ended with a bit of
ODOT Celebrates Safety Success with District 5 in the Spotlight
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) held its June Transportation Commission meeting on June 4, 2025, honoring the commitment of its crews to workplace safety. ODOT Executive Director Tim?Gatz and Assistant Director of
Clinton Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase Through Residential Streets
Clinton, OK — A Clinton man is facing multiple charges after leading police on a dangerous high-speed chase through residential areas in the early morning hours of May 31, 2025. According to a probable cause affidavit filed
The Time Kramer was Jailed in Cordell
By Landry Brewer Cordell, OK – Washita County Undersheriff Rusty Cannon and his wife, Carol, met a famous actor at the sheriff’s office a decade and a half ago. The celebrity was in Cordell then because of
William Morris and Gail Williams Make Generous Gift to Support Future Educators at SWOSU
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is proud to announce a significant gift from William (Bill) Morris, a 1974 alumnus of the university, and his wife, Gail, both of Wichita, Kansas. This
Voters Head to the Polls Tuesday for Special Elections in Cheyenne and Clinton
Voters in Cheyenne and Clinton will weigh in on two separate propositions during a special election on Tuesday, June 10. Cheyenne Ordinance on PSO Franchise Agreement Residents of the Town of Cheyenne will decide whether to grant
Clinton Public Schools Names Nathan Meget as Next Superintendent
Clinton, OK – Clinton Public Schools has found its next leader. Following the departure of Superintendent Tyler Bridges, the Clinton Board of Education voted Friday to name Nathan Meget as the district’s new superintendent. Meget, who currently
