Small businesses that have been affected by the prevailing abnormally dry conditions in Fairfax County due to a drought that began earlier this year can now apply for financial relief.
The federal Small Business Administration is offering Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million to qualifying businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture enterprises and nonprofit organizations across Fairfax County and the surrounding area.
Though Fairfax County has been under a drought watch or warning since last fall, the SBA is identifying April 1, 2026 as the start date of the drought, according to the county.
“Because physical damage is not required, a wide range of local businesses qualify for assistance,” the county said in a post on its emergency information website.
Some of the potential businesses that may want to apply include wineries, golf courses, or outdoor event spaces with reduced foot traffic, the county said. Eligible businesses could also include commercial landscapers, plant nurseries, or retail garden centers that need help covering payroll, rent and operating bills.
The loans are at fixed interest rates of up to 4% for up to 30 years, with applications open until March 30, 2027.
While rain this fall helped ease the months-long drought conditions affecting Virginia, conditions are not entirely back to normal. A drought watch advisory remains in effect for Northern Virginia, while other parts of the state are facing drought emergencies or warnings, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality said in an update last week.
This week’s forecast should help: rain is likely on Thursday and Friday (Nov. 12-13), according to the National Weather Service.
