Drought relief: SBA opens $2 million loan program for Fairfax County

Small businesses in Fairfax County can now apply for federal financial aid to cover costs tied to a drought that began earlier this year. The Small Business Administration is offering Economic Injury Disaster Loans, or EIDLs, to help firms manage expenses during abnormally dry conditions. The county notes that applicants do not need to prove physical damage to their property to qualify.

The SBA is providing loans of up to $2 million to qualifying entities. These include small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture enterprises, and nonprofit organizations across Fairfax County and the surrounding area. The loans carry fixed interest rates of up to 4% and can be repaid over a period of up to 30 years.

The SBA identifies April 1, 2026, as the official start date for the drought. This timeline aligns with the county being under a drought watch or warning since last fall. The application window remains open until March 30, 2027.

The county lists several types of businesses that may seek assistance. These include wineries, golf courses, and outdoor event spaces experiencing reduced foot traffic. Commercial landscapers, plant nurseries, and retail garden centers are also eligible if they need help covering payroll, rent, or other operating bills.

Rain this fall helped ease the months-long dry spell in Virginia, but conditions have not fully returned to normal. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality reported that a drought watch advisory remains in effect for Northern Virginia. Other parts of the state are facing drought emergencies or warnings.

The National Weather Service predicts rain will return to the region on November 12 and November 13.