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California Business and residents affected by the Oak Fire that began on July 22, 2022, will be offered a low-interest federal disaster loan. The Small Business Administration (SBA) declared a disaster under its own authority in response to a request from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s authorized representative, Mark Ghilarducci, on Aug. 6, 2022. The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne counties. Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.