Drought relief: SBA offers $2M loans to Fairfax County firms
Small businesses in Fairfax County can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans with fixed rates as low as 0%, with applications due by March 30, 2027.
By Nikolai Morales ·
The federal Small Business Administration is extending loans of up to $2 million to businesses in Fairfax County affected by the region's ongoing drought. These Economic Injury Disaster Loans target qualifying firms, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture enterprises, and nonprofits in Fairfax and surrounding areas.
The SBA designates April 1, 2026, as the official start date for the drought, despite the county being under watch or warning since last fall. The agency does not require physical damage for a business to qualify for assistance, according to the county's emergency information website.
Local officials listed wineries, golf courses, and outdoor event spaces as potential applicants due to reduced foot traffic. Commercial landscapers, plant nurseries, and retail garden centers are also eligible if they need funds to cover payroll, rent, or operating bills.
Borrowers face fixed interest rates of up to 4% over terms of up to 30 years. The application window remains open until March 30, 2027.
Rain this fall eased some drought conditions in Virginia, but the state is not fully recovered. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality reported last week that a drought watch advisory remains in effect for Northern Virginia, while other parts of the state face emergencies or warnings.
The National Weather Service predicts rain for Thursday and Friday, November 12 and 13, which should provide additional relief to the region.
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