DENVER ~ The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved Colorado's request for disaster loans for people and organizations affected by the Aspen Acres Fire and subsequent flooding in Pueblo and Custer counties, Gov. Jared Polis announced.

The loans are intended to help cover uninsured damage and losses. Eligible homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to repair or replace verified damage to their homes, while homeowners and renters may seek up to $100,000 for damaged personal property, including automobiles. Businesses may apply for up to $2 million for property, inventory, machinery and equipment damage.

The SBA also offers working-capital loans to eligible small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses and private nonprofit organizations to help meet financial obligations during recovery. Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to businesses in Pueblo and Custer counties and in Crowley, El Paso, Fremont, Huerfano, Las Animas, Lincoln, Otero and Saguache counties.

"Coloradans recovering from the Aspen Acres Fire deserve every opportunity to rebuild and bounce back," Polis said, encouraging affected residents and businesses to explore the loans.

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The SBA plans to open Disaster Loan Outreach Centers on Monday, Oct. 19, in Pueblo and Custer counties. In Pueblo, the center will be at the Pueblo County Government Services Center, 201 West 8th St., Suite 310, and will be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. In Custer County, it will be at Wetmore Community Library, 95 County Road 393, and will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. SBA staff will answer questions and assist with applications.

The Aspen Acres Fire began June 29. Polis declared a state disaster emergency and deployed the Colorado National Guard. Colorado later requested a major disaster declaration for the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires and subsequent flooding. Federal Public Assistance was approved Sept. 4, while requests for Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding were denied Sept. 18.

Polis announced Oct. 9 that the state would not appeal the Individual Assistance denial, saying an appeal could delay access to disaster loans, but would appeal the denial of hazard mitigation funding.

Applications are open through the SBA's disaster assistance page. The deadline for physical damage loans is Dec. 14, 2026; the deadline for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is July 14, 2027. Applicants can call 1-800-659-2955 for assistance.

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