Businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters across Shoshone and Idaho counties can now apply for low-interest federal disaster loans following the straight-line wind event that struck the region December 16–18, 2025. The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the loan program after Gov. Brad Little’s disaster request was received on June 5.
Who Qualifies and How Much Is Available
Eligible businesses and nonprofits can apply for physical disaster loans of up to $2 million to cover repair or replacement of real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Homeowners may borrow up to $500,000 for primary residence repair or replacement, while homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 in personal property loans.
An additional loan amount of up to 20 percent of verified physical damage is available for mitigation improvements — measures designed to reduce future wind damage. Qualifying upgrades include structural reinforcements, wind-rated garage doors, and the installation of safe rooms or storm shelters.
Interest rates are set at 4 percent for businesses, 3.625 percent for nonprofits, and 2.875 percent for homeowners and renters. Loan terms can extend up to 30 years, and neither interest nor payments will be due until 12 months after the first disbursement.
Economic Injury Loans Also Available
Small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofits that suffered economic losses — even without direct physical damage — may also qualify under the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. EIDL funds can be applied toward fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that went unpaid as a result of the storm.
It is worth noting that agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers are not eligible for SBA disaster loans under this declaration, with the exception of aquaculture enterprises.
Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA, noted that “through a rural declaration, SBA provides financial assistance to help rural communities recover.”
The Silver Valley and broader Shoshone County area, long defined by its mining heritage and economic resilience, stands to benefit from these programs as property owners and small businesses work to assess and repair lingering storm damage. Local businesses grappling with utility reliability — a concern that has surfaced in conversations about regional energy infrastructure — may find the EIDL program particularly useful for covering operational shortfalls tied to the December storm.
Deadlines and How to Apply
The deadline to apply for physical damage loans is August 7, 2026. The economic injury application window remains open considerably longer, with a final deadline of March 8, 2027.
Applications can be submitted online at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants with questions can reach the SBA’s Customer Service Center by phone at (800) 659-2955.
What Comes Next
Property owners and business operators in Shoshone and Idaho counties are encouraged to begin the application process as soon as possible, particularly given the August 7 deadline for physical damage claims. Those who are uncertain whether they qualify for the economic injury program have more time, but the SBA recommends early engagement to allow for processing. Local government offices and chambers of commerce may also be able to provide guidance to applicants navigating the process for the first time.