The Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program officially reopened on Jan. 11.
The agency is accepting what “first-draw” loans from small businesses that have not yet gotten a PPP loan. Those small businesses must work through lenders the government categorizes as “community financial institutions.” Those are community development financial institutions, minority deposit institutions, certified development companies and microloan intermediaries. These lenders can process applications and submit them to the SBA first.
On Wednesday, Jan. 13, those small businesses applying for a second PPP loan will be able to access the applications, but also just through community financial institutions.
First Draw PPP Loans can be used to help fund payroll costs, including benefits, the SBA said. Funds can also be used to pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020, and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations.
Terms
First Draw PPP Loans made to eligible borrowers qualify for full loan forgiveness if during the 8- to 24-week covered period following loan disbursement:
- Employee and compensation levels are maintained;
- The loan proceeds are spent on payroll costs and other eligible expenses; and
- At least 60 percent of the proceeds are spent on payroll costs.
Who Can Apply: Eligible small entities, that together with their affiliates (if applicable), have 500 or fewer employees—including nonprofits, veterans organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors—can apply. Entities with more than 500 employees in certain industries that meet SBA’s alternative size standard or SBA’s size standards for those particular industries can also apply.
Reapplying and Loan Increases: Existing PPP borrowers that did not receive loan forgiveness by December 27, 2020 may: (1) reapply for a First Draw PPP Loan if they previously returned some or all of their First Draw PPP Loan funds, or (2) under certain circumstances, request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount if they previously did not accept the full amount for which they are eligible.
How and When to Apply: Borrowers can apply for a First Draw PPP Loan until March 31, 2021, through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, eligible non-bank lender, or Farm Credit System institution that is participating in PPP. All new First Draw PPP 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 HERE.
Ensuring Access for All: SBA continues to call upon its lending partners, including Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), to redouble their efforts to assist eligible borrowers in underserved and disadvantaged communities. At least $15 billion is being set aside for First Draw PPP loans to eligible borrowers with a maximum of 10 employees or for loans of $250,000 or less to eligible borrowers in low- or moderate-income neighborhoods. To promote access for smaller lenders and their customers, SBA will initially only accept loan applications from community financial institutions starting on January 11, 2021. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter.
Visit www.sba.gov or www.treasury.gov for more information and details, including the comprehensive program rules.
A link to Northrim Bank, which is handling PPP loans, is here.
First National Bank of Alaska’s PPP page is at this link.
Other institutions are also part of the program.