Reston landscapers, nurseries, golf courses and outdoor event venues hit by the 2026 drought can apply for up to $2 million in federal relief loans.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened Economic Injury Disaster Loans under Disaster Declaration 21781, according to a Fairfax County emergency information post published Nov. 6. The loans cover working capital for small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture enterprises and private nonprofits across Fairfax County and surrounding jurisdictions.

No physical damage is required to qualify. That means many types of businesses beyond those with crop or property losses can apply, the county said. Eligible applicants include commercial landscapers, lawn care companies, plant nurseries and retail garden centers facing order cancellations or stock loss, according to the county post. Wineries, cideries, agritourism venues, golf courses and outdoor event spaces with reduced foot traffic or high irrigation costs are also encouraged to apply. Equipment suppliers, feed distributors and water-hauling services affected by reduced regional landscaping or agricultural activity qualify as well.

The loans carry fixed interest rates of up to 4% with repayment terms of up to 30 years. They can help cover payroll, rent and operating bills, the county said.

The SBA is identifying April 1, 2026, as the start date of the drought, according to the county. Fairfax County had been under a drought watch or warning since fall 2025, FFXnow reported.

Businesses can apply online through the SBA's MySBA Loan Portal or call 1-800-659-2955 for assistance. The county's emergency information post lists the application deadline as March 31, 2027, while FFXnow reports March 30, 2027.

Northern Virginia remains under a drought watch advisory, according to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The DEQ's drought update noted that streamflow levels continued to decline, soil moisture remained much drier than normal, and groundwater levels dropped across much of the state east of the New River region. Other parts of Virginia face drought warnings or emergencies.

Gov. Spanberger is encouraging Virginians to conserve water during the drought, according to the DEQ update.

Reston-area businesses that believe they qualify can start an application through the SBA's online portal before the late March 2027 deadline.