Small businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations in Whatcom County that suffered losses during the freeze and frost event of March 9 through 11, 2026 may be eligible for low-interest disaster assistance loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. An informational flyer is being circulated locally, and the deadline to apply has not yet been announced publicly.
What the Disaster Assistance Covers
The SBA's Disaster Loan Program provides financial assistance to businesses and nonprofit organizations that sustained physical damage or economic injury as a result of a declared disaster. The March 9 through 11 freeze and frost event caused damage to agricultural operations, small businesses, and property across the Pacific Northwest, including in Whatcom County.
Two main types of loans are typically available under SBA disaster declarations: Physical Disaster Loans, which cover repair or replacement of damaged property, equipment, inventory, and other business assets; and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), which help cover operating expenses that a business cannot meet because of the disaster's impact on revenue or operations. Nonprofits are also eligible for both types, which distinguishes this program from many other business relief efforts.
Loan amounts can reach up to $2 million for physical damage, depending on the scope of losses and the applicant's financial situation. Interest rates for eligible small businesses are typically well below commercial loan rates, and repayment terms can extend up to 30 years, making monthly payments manageable even for operations that are still recovering.
The March Freeze and Its Local Impact
The three-day freeze and frost event in early March 2026 hit Western Washington at an unusual time of year, when many agricultural operations had already begun spring activity and some outdoor businesses were ramping up for the season. Temperatures dropped low enough to damage crops, irrigation systems, outdoor equipment, and in some cases the structures of small operations that were not built to withstand an extended hard freeze.
Whatcom County has a substantial agricultural base, with farms in the Lynden, Everson, Nooksack, and Ferndale areas growing berries, vegetables, and dairy products that contribute significantly to the local economy. The raspberry crop is among the most economically significant in the county, and early-season frosts can damage both the plants and newly installed infrastructure. Small food-related businesses, nurseries, and hospitality operations tied to outdoor activity were also among those reporting losses in the weeks after the event.
SBA disaster assistance is available regardless of whether a business received any other relief, and it does not require a prior federal disaster declaration in every case. Businesses that may have assumed they were not eligible, or who missed earlier application windows for other programs, should check with the SBA directly about current status and deadlines.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can start the process through the SBA's online disaster loan portal or by contacting a local SBA resource partner. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Western Washington University provides free one-on-one advising to Whatcom County businesses navigating the application process, including helping owners document their losses and prepare the financial records required for a loan application.
Applicants will need to provide documentation of the damage or economic injury, business financial statements, tax returns, and information about any insurance proceeds they have received or expect to receive. SBA staff conduct on-site inspections for physical damage loans, so applicants should preserve evidence of damage, including photographs, repair estimates, and receipts, before making any permanent repairs.
The deadline to apply varies by disaster declaration and loan type. Businesses should act as soon as possible rather than waiting for a final deadline, as processing times can be lengthy. For the most current deadline information and to confirm whether the March 9 through 11 freeze event qualifies for a specific declaration in Whatcom County, contact the SBA's customer service line or visit the SBA website directly. Local assistance is also available through the Whatcom County Economic Development office, which tracks federal relief programs available to area businesses.
