In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, city, state, and national governments are offering various types of relief for small businesses. Below is a summary related to the relief offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) related to the epidemic, we suggest you apply as soon as possible as processing delays are expected. The SBA has indicated that online application will result in the fastest method to receive a decision. The SBA has made Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EID Loans”) available for qualifying small businesses and non-profit organizations that have suffered economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus epidemic. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other ordinary expenses that are not able to be paid as a result of the epidemic.
The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for non-profits. Terms are decided on a case-by-case basis and long-term payments (up to 30 years) are available.
Eligibility
Must be located in a declared disaster area recognized by the SBA. Current qualifying geographic areas can be found here: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Declarations
The state of Pennsylvania and areas of Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey were approved this week.
Must qualify as a small business. The SBA definition of a small business varies by industry but can generally be defined as less than eight million dollars in gross revenue. Please see the SBA interactive website at the below link to determine if your business qualifies (or contact us for help) https://www.sba.gov/size-standards/
Must demonstrate that it has suffered “substantial economic injury” as a direct result of the disaster. Substantial economic injury can generally be defined as an inability to meet obligations or pay ordinary and reasonable expenses incurred in the normal course of business.
Application Process (recommended browser is Internet Explorer; Chrome users reporting issues)
Complete application online http://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ or by paper using SBA Form 5
We suggest you answer every question; there is a narrative section to document specific issues related to the epidemic
Required documents include the following
Tax Information Authorizations or 4506-T’s to authorize the SBA to request tax return transcripts for the applicant, majority owners, and affiliate businesses
If applying online, the option to sign electronically / or upload as an attachment
Asset and liability information for completing the Personal Financial Statement within the application
Following the application submission, the SBA will conduct a credit check and verify the submitted information.
The SBA may reach out for additional information or with questions.
The SBA stated goal for application review and decision is 2-3 weeks. We expect delays as a result of anticipated volume.
Additional information on the Three-step Process for Disaster Loans can be found here: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/Three_Step_Process_SBA_Disaster_Loans.pdf
We are monitoring updates and changes and will continue to provide information as it becomes available.
The SBA disaster assistance customer service center can be reached at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.