SBA Assistance Approved for Elk, Willow, and Gold Mountain Wildfires From Summer 2026

DENVER - Today, Governor Jared Polis announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved Colorado's request for disaster assistance to help communities recover from this summer's Elk, Willow, and Gold Mountain Fires. The SBA approved assistance on a community-by-community basis based on the damages and impacts of each of the fires. SBA assistance will help businesses and nonprofits facing economic injury from this summer's Elk, Willow, and Gold Mountain Fires. Additionally, SBA approved assistance in Ouray County for businesses, homeowners and renters to repair or replace property damaged in the fire and resulting flooding and mudslides. SBA disaster assistance provides favorable terms on low-interest loans. These approvals are in addition to the SBA's approval of assistance for impacts from the Aspen Acres Fire.

"Colorado businesses struggling in the aftermath of the devastating Elk, Willow and Gold Mountain Fires will now have access to low interest loans to help meet expenses, even if the business was not physically damaged. This SBA assistance allows small businesses and nonprofits in all three disaster areas to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million. In Ouray County, homeowners, families, renters and businesses recovering from the Gold Mountain Fire and related mudslides and flooding can also use SBA loans to start work on home and business repairs and replace personal property damaged by the disasters. I thank the SBA for approving this assistance that will immediately help Coloradans begin the hard work of repairing property and rebuilding businesses after these terrible fires and disasters," said Governor Polis.

The declarations cover the following disasters, with detailed information available in the SBA fact sheets on the respective webpages:

• Willow Fire (June 28 - Sept. 16, 2026): Eligible small businesses and private nonprofits in Chaffee, Eagle, Lake, Park, Pitkin, and Summit counties may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
• Elk Fire (July 9 - Oct. 1, 2026): Eligible small businesses and private nonprofits in Archuleta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mineral, Ouray, Saguache, and San Juan counties may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
• Ouray County Wildfires (Gold Mountain Fire), Flooding, and Mudslides (June 27 - July 29, 2026): Businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners, and renters in Ouray County are eligible for physical disaster loans. Eligible small businesses and private nonprofits in Ouray County may also apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

"Small Business Assistance funding is critical to helping our businesses recover from the economic impacts of the Elk Fire. This support helps with revenue loss, preserves local jobs, and strengthens the resilience of the business community, ensuring that businesses can continue serving residents and welcoming visitors as the county recovers. Hinsdale County is excited to be included in this funding," said Hinsdale County Commissioner Kristie Borchers.

Businesses in all three disaster areas may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans that can provide working capital to help eligible small businesses meet expenses during recovery, even without physical property damage. The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofits all with terms up to 30 years. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition. The deadline for businesses and nonprofits to return economic injury applications for all three declarations is July 23, 2027. To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster.

In Ouray County, businesses, homeowners, and renters are also be eligible for additional assistance including:

• Home repairs and replacement: Up to $500,000 for homeowners to repair or replace a damaged primary residence.
• Personal property: Up to $100,000 for homeowners and renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged belongings, including furniture, appliances, and vehicles.
• Business and nonprofit recovery: Up to $2 million for eligible businesses and private nonprofits to repair or replace damaged property, equipment, and inventory. Qualified rental properties may also be eligible.

Coloradans in Ouray County are also eligible for additional funds to cover the cost of mitigation improvements that protect property against future damage. This loan funding is in addition to the amount of any approved loan for physical home or business repairs. The application for SBA physical damage assistance, including mitigation, for Ouray County is December 22, 2026, and Coloradans can apply at sba.gov/disaster.

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