The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) through the Small Business Administration (SBA) 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 the likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payment 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 can I apply?

• Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply.
• Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply.

Small businesses are encouraged to apply as quickly as possible because there is a funding cap.