By Ethan Faverino |
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it has opened a Business Recovery Center in Tusayan, Arizona, to provide in-person assistance to small businesses and nonprofit organizations seeking federal disaster loans following recent flash flooding at Grand Canyon National Park.
The center, located at Tusayan Town Hall at 845 Mustang Drive, will provide applicants with direct access to SBA representatives who can answer questions, explain eligibility requirements, and assist with the disaster loan application process.
Representatives will be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the center permanently closes on Friday, October, 30. Walk-ins are welcome, and applicants can also schedule an in-person appointment.
The opening follows the SBA’s October 13 disaster declaration, which made low-interest federal loans available to eligible businesses and private nonprofit organizations experiencing economic losses from flooding that occurred between August 29 and September 3.
The declaration covers five Arizona counties, including Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai, along with Kane and San Juan Counties in Utah.
Through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofit organizations can apply for loans of up to $2 million to help cover operating expenses and other financial obligations resulting from the disaster.
Applicants may qualify for assistance even if their property did not sustain physical damage, provided they experienced qualifying economic losses directly related to the flooding.
Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ-02), whose district includes Grand Canyon National Park, welcomed the opening of the recovery center and encouraged affected organizations to take advantage of the additional assistance.
“I’m grateful to the U.S. Small Business Administration for putting personnel on the ground to assist small business owners,” stated Rep. Crane. “I encourage Arizonans impacted by this catastrophic disaster to meet with SBA representatives and explore their options.”
Crane also emphasized the ongoing challenges facing Grand Canyon National Park and surrounding communities, pointing to continued recovery efforts and congressional action involving the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025.
“The flash floods are the latest setback in a challenging stretch for Grand Canyon National Park and gateway communities,” added Crane. “My team and I remain committed to doing our part, and I’m hopeful these resources and recent movement on the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025 will deliver lasting results for Northern Arizona.”
The recovery center will remain open through October 30, but eligible businesses and nonprofit organizations have until July 13, 2027, to submit economic injury disaster loan applications.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
