The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has officially approved a disaster declaration for Gila County, unlocking low-interest federal loans for residents, businesses, and nonprofits affected by the devastating floods of late September.
The declaration, requested by the State of Arizona, recognizes the severe damage across the region and provides a critical financial safety net as local recovery efforts continue.
The SBA disaster designation makes low-interest loans available to homeowners, renters, business owners, and nonprofit organizations who suffered losses due to the September 26 flood.
These loans can be used to repair or replace homes, vehicles, equipment, inventory, or other property damaged in the storm — or to cover economic losses caused by business interruption.
“This declaration allows people in Gila County to get back on their feet faster,” said SBA spokesperson Cynthia Cowell. “We know recovery takes time, and this assistance is meant to help bridge that gap.”
Three types of SBA disaster loans are being offered:
Home Disaster Loans – up to $500,000 for homeowners to repair or replace a primary residence; renters may borrow up to $100,000 for personal property losses.
Business Physical Disaster Loans – for businesses of all sizes and private nonprofits to repair or replace real estate, machinery, inventory, and other physical assets.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – for small businesses and nonprofits that suffered financial losses due to the disaster, even if they didn’t experience physical damage.
Loan interest rates are subsidized, generally around 3 % for homeowners and renters and 4 % for businesses, with repayment terms extending up to 30 years depending on financial circumstances. Borrowers may also qualify for additional funds to make improvements that reduce future disaster risk — such as flood barriers, storm windows, or drainage upgrades.
To help residents apply, the SBA has opened a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Globe:
Globe–Miami Chamber of Commerce
1360 N. Broad Street, Globe, AZ 85501
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome, and SBA staff are available to guide applicants through the process, answer questions, and help complete paperwork.
Residents can also reach the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 (TTY 711), or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. Applications may also be filed online at sba.gov/disaster.
Gila County Emergency Management has activated a virtual Disaster Assistance Phone Bank to connect residents with recovery resources, damage documentation, and cleanup support.
Phone: 928-402-8888
Website: gilacountyaz.gov
The county’s Disaster Assistance Center, initially housed at the Gila County Fairgrounds, continues to coordinate local recovery partners and volunteer efforts.
Physical Damage Loan Applications: due December 9, 2025
Economic Injury (EIDL) Applications: due July 10, 2026
Officials encourage all affected residents and business owners to apply as soon as possible, even if they are still awaiting insurance settlements.
The SBA declaration does not provide grants — all assistance comes in the form of low-interest loans that must be repaid. But for many, these loans represent a crucial lifeline while Globe-Miami’s business community and neighborhoods rebuild.
“We know recovery here will take months,” said one local business owner on North Broad Street whose storefront was flooded with over four feet of water. “Knowing there’s a way to repair and reopen makes all the difference.”
With the declaration in place, Gila County joins the growing list of Arizona communities now eligible for federal disaster recovery funds.
For more information or to start an application, visit sba.gov/disaster or contact the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Globe.
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