We care about local small business and want to be able to help you thrive in any way we can! If you own a small business like I do, chances are this health crisis we are in has had an effect on your stress levels. Well, this information graciously provided by my tax advisor should help!
Recently, Congress passed the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security). This is designed to assist small businesses steadily throughout the COVID-19 crisis and provide the ability to keep their employees. There are two major parts to the act: The Small Business Administration Emergency Injury Disaster Loans, administered by the SBA, and the Paycheck Protection Program, administered by private banks. Down below, I have included an infographic about applying for a Paycheck Protection Program loan, which can be up to 2.5 times your average monthly payroll costs, with the possibility of the loan being forgiven.
Here’s a helpful list of 10 FAQ’s from the US Chamber of Commerce about the loans of the CARES act
1. What loans are available to help small businesses during Coronavirus?
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the SBA.
The Payroll Protection Loan.
2. How do I get these loans?
Apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan directly from the SBA here.
Payroll Protection Loans are government-backed but will come from private banks. You should inquire at your local bank about these loans.
3. How much can I borrow?
The EIDL from the SBA can be up to $2 million working capital for up to a 30-year term at 3.75% (2.75% for non-profits). Not everyone will qualify for that amount.
The Payroll Protection Loans can be for 2.5 months of average payroll or $10 million, whichever is less [note: employee health care plan costs can be included – see the attachment].
4. Do I need to repay these loans?
The EIDL from the SBA will be repaid. Payments can be deferred for one year after the origin of the loan.
All or some of the Payroll Protection Loan may be forgiven (converted into a grant). There are specific requirements about how you spend the loan and if you continue to employ your workers in order for it to be forgiven.
5. What about the $10,000 emergency grant I’ve heard about?
The SBA is offering to advance businesses a $10,000 grant that does not need to be paid back. That grant can be paid quickly – in as little as three days.
You can apply for that $10,000 grant as part of the EIDL process. If you are awarded the $10,000 emergency grant, you will not have to pay the grant amount back. You will still have to repay the rest of your SBA EIDL.
6. Can self-employed and freelancers apply?
Paycheck Protection Loans are available to 501(c)(3)s, self-employed, sole proprietors and independent contractors.
SBA EIDLs are available to small businesses and non-profits (including faith-based) with fewer than 500 employees, sole proprietors and independent contractors.
7. Can I apply for both loans?
Yes. You can apply for and receive both loans.
8. Do I need good credit to qualify for these loans?
The Payroll Protection Loan requires no collateral and no personal guarantee.
The EIDLs are given based on credit scores. No tax returns are required. You can borrow up to $200,000 without a personal guarantee.
9. What if I’ve already fired or laid off my employees? Do I still qualify for a Payroll Protection Loan?
Your loan may be forgiven if you bring back employees and restore wages generally within 30 days and maintain them through June 30.
10. My bank doesn’t seem to know anything about the Payroll Protection Loan. Now what?
Banks are currently working out the details. If your bank hasn’t heard about the loan yet, try a bank that is already an approved SBA lender [note: in the Bellingham area, these include Umpqua Bank, Wells Fargo, Chase, US Bank, KeyBank, and Bank of America]. They may be more familiar with the process.
For help in navigating the loan process and other aspects of this crisis, SCORE, a well-established small business mentoring program, is available to do remote mentoring. In addition, they will be conducting webinars and online workshops for dealing with the fallout from Coronavirus and the help available. You can learn more here.
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