SBA opens business disaster loan applications for Rio Blanco area after August fires; center in Meeker to close Dec. 12

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration briefed the Rio Blanco County Board of County Commissioners Dec. 9 about federal low‑interest disaster loans available to businesses and nonprofits affected by the Aug. 2025 fires.

Cynthia Cowell, public information officer for the SBA Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, and Charles Kite, SBA disaster staff, described the program as a short‑term lifeline to provide operating capital until business returns to normal. Kite said current interest rates discussed at the meeting were about 4 percent for businesses and 3.625 percent for nonprofits and that the maximum loan amount is $2,000,000, subject to documentation of losses and credit evaluation.

SBA staff said a business recovery center was open in Meeker’s town hall from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday but that center would close the Friday immediately following the meeting (staff said Dec. 12 was the last in‑person day). SBA emphasized businesses can still apply online and may do so through Aug. 18, 2026, for economic injury assistance. Officers also explained a 12‑month deferment on interest and payments is allowed; interest does not begin to accrue until the first disbursement.

Commissioners asked about refinancing and whether disaster loans could be used to pay down existing higher‑interest loans. SBA staff said economic‑injury loans are intended to cover operating capital needs and routine payments (mortgage, payroll, rent) but generally cannot be used to refinance existing debt when the disaster declaration covers economic injury rather than physical damage.

SBA representatives urged affected businesses to apply online at sba.gov or visit the Meeker recovery center while it was open.