PHOENIX — Arizona businesses hurt by the Dragon Bravo and White Sage wildfires will soon have access to financial relief, Governor Katie Hobbs announced Tuesday.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued an Economic Injury Disaster Declaration for parts of Arizona, opening the door for eligible businesses and nonprofits to apply for low-interest loans through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
Businesses in Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai counties, along with those in the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Havasupai Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, can apply for assistance.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of Arizona’s economy,” Hobbs said in her announcement. “Recent wildfires have taken a devastating toll on North Rim communities and businesses, creating financial hardship and putting livelihoods in jeopardy. Arizonans who work hard and provide jobs to our neighbors should know that we have their back.”
The governor also expressed gratitude to the SBA for providing resources to help communities recover and emphasized that the funding will be critical in keeping Arizona workers and families strong.
The announcement comes after Hobbs’ recent meetings with federal officials, both at the Dragon Bravo Fire Incident Command Post and in Washington, D.C., where she pushed for stronger coordination on wildfire containment and additional recovery aid.
As of Tuesday, officials reported that the White Sage Fire is 95% contained, while the Dragon Bravo Fire remains 62% contained.
