Businesses negatively impacted by this year’s warm and snowless winter may be eligible for loans through the Small Business Administration.
Eighty-one counties in the state are currently covered by federal disaster declarations for drought conditions, exacerbated by the lack of snowfall in Minnesota. From December to February, Minnesota experienced the warmest meteorological winter on record.
Under the Economic Injury Disaster Loans program, businesses can borrow up to $2 million to cover their actual losses. They pay no interest on the loan for the first year and no more than 4% for the rest of the loan period.
A webinar hosted by the SBA will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 15, to provide information about the disaster declaration, how to apply for a loan, and the use of loan proceeds. Business owners can learn more about eligibility, find an application and learn more about application deadlines for their county at the SBA's disaster assistance page.
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Larissa Donovan/KAXEWind chills or "feels like" temperatures could range between 30 and 60 degrees below zero Jan. 22-25, 2026. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThree warehouses in Hibbing store core from over 20,000 holes drilled throughout Minnesota, keeping a "natural record" of the state's geology — but the DNR is running out of room. -
Steve Patterson/KAXE-KBXE Season Watch Facebook pageThe U.S. Forest Service will maintain its rules restricting how food, food containers and other attractants are stored in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe annual benefit game at Yanmar Arena on Jan. 31, 2026, also aims to raise awareness of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum in Eveleth. -
Contributed/Ethan Miller/Getty Images via Minnesota ReformerRetired sportscaster Michele Tafoya will run for Minnesota’s soon-to-be vacated U.S. Senate seat held by Sen. Tina Smith as a Republican. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe state's top prosecutor says after considering a bid for governor, he will continue down the campaign trail for reelection. -
Contributed/Aaron Kania | Kania for HouseKania stated in a Jan. 20, 2026, news release that he would seek the DFL endorsement for the District 3A seat. -
Plus: AG Keith Ellison remains committed to running for reelection; two candidates launch campaigns for MN House from the Arrowhead; and the U.S. Forest Service will maintain its closure order to reduce human-bear encounters in the BWCA. -
Contributed/Minnesota HouseThe first-term Republican lawmaker and lifelong Iron Ranger Cal Warwas' top stated priorities in St. Paul include job creation, tax reform and mining. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will accept comment on reducing the statewide daily limit on walleye through March 5, 2026.
