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Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program, which Congress passed through the CARES Act, prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.


Program Details

Small Business Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.

Fully Forgiven 
Funds are provided in the form of loans that will be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.

Must Keep Employees on the Payroll—or Rehire Quickly
Forgiveness is based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels. Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease.

All Small Businesses Eligible
Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees—including nonprofits, veterans organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors—are eligible. Businesses with more than 500 employees are eligible in certain industries. 

When to Apply 
Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply. Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply. We encourage you to apply as quickly as you can because there is a funding cap. 

How to Apply 
You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating. All loans will have the same terms regardless of lender or borrower. A list of participating lenders as well as additional information and full terms can be found at www.sba.gov.


FAQs

Is your small business struggling due to the recent Coronavirus epidemic?

  • Your business may be eligible for a new Paycheck Protection Loan.
  • This 4% interest rate loan is 100% guaranteed by the SBA.

Who is eligible?

  • Businesses and 501(c)(3)s with less than 500 employees.

Where can you get this loan?

  • Any existing SBA lenders and any lenders that are brought into the program through the Treasury.
  • You should talk to your preferred financial lender to see if they qualify.

What can you use the loan amount for?

  • Payroll costs
  • Group health care benefits
  • Employee salaries
  • Interest on ay mortgage obligation
  • Rent
  • Utilities
  • And any other debt obligations occurred before Feb. 15, 2020.

How much can you borrow?

  • The maximum amount is the lesser of $10 million or 2.5 times the average monthly payroll based on last year’s payroll.

How long will it take to receive the money?

  • The SBA has authorized lenders to process, close, and service loans without SBA approval, giving you the means to invest in your business immediately.

What if you can’t pay it back?

  • First, all payment on principle, interest, and fees will be automatically deferred for six months.
  • Second, for businesses that retain their staff up until June 30, 2020, this loan will be forgiven.

Can the entire loan be forgiven?

  • No, only the portion of the loan used to cover payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities can be forgiven.
  • In addition, only 8 weeks can be forgiven.


Link to the Application form: 
https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/Borrower%20Paycheck%20Protection%20Program%20Application.pdf 


You can find a complete list of SBA 7(a) lenders on the Small Business Administration website here:
https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/articles/Virginia_7a_Lenders_List_125.pdf

  • If you’re a lender, more information can be found HERE
  • If you’re a borrower, more information can be found HERE
  • The application for borrowers can be found HERE

The Paycheck Protection Program is implemented by the Small Business Administration with support from the Department of the Treasury. Lenders should also visit www.sba.gov or www.coronavirus.gov for more information.