ANNOUNCEMENT – Lenders with $1 Billion or Less in Assets Will be Able to Submit First and Second Draw PPP Applications on Friday – Continuing Dedicated Access for Community-Based Lenders

The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, will re-open the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal to PPP-eligible lenders with $1 billion or less in assets for First and Second Draw applications on Friday, January 15, 2021 at 9 am ET.  The portal will fully open on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 to all participating PPP lenders to submit First and Second Draw loan applications to SBA.

 

PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM SECOND DRAW LOANS

1/14/21 – The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) now allows certain eligible borrowers that previously received a PPP loan to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan with the same general loan terms as their First Draw PPP Loan. Second Draw PPP Loans can be used to help fund payroll costs, including benefits. 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.

Second 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 in the same manner as required for the First Draw PPP loan;
• 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.

A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:

• Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
• Has no more than 300 employees; and
• Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.
Maximum Loan Amount and Increased Assistance for Accommodation and Food Services Businesses

For most borrowers, the maximum loan amount of a Second Draw PPP Loan is 2.5x average monthly 2019 or 2020 payroll costs up to $2 million. For borrowers in the Accommodation and Food Services sector (click HERE for NAICS 72 to confirm), the maximum loan amount for a Second Draw PPP Loan is 3.5x average monthly 2019 or 2020 payroll costs up to $2 million.

How and When to Apply
Borrowers can apply for a Second 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 Second 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 $25 billion is being set aside for Second 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 Second Draw PPP Loan applications from community financial institutions starting on January 13, 2021. The PPP will open to all participating lenders for Second Draw PPP Loans shortly thereafter.

Visit www.sba.gov or www.treasury.gov for more information and details, including the comprehensive program rules.

PPP RE-OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT!

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced today (1/8/21) that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13.  The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter.

Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility was released on January 6 in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.

This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.

 

Key PPP updates include:

  • PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
  • PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
  • The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, direct marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
  • The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.

 

A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:

  • Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
  • Has no more than 300 employees; and
  • Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.

 

The new guidance released includes:

 

For more information on SBA’s assistance to small businesses, visit sba.gov/ppp or treasury.gov/cares.

Repeal of EIDL Advance Deduction

EFFECTIVE: January 8, 2021 – Section 1110(e)(6) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) required SBA to deduct the amount of any Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance received by a PPP borrower from the PPP forgiveness payment remitted by SBA to the PPP lender. On October 2, 2020, SBA began remitting forgiveness payments to PPP lenders, with the required EIDL Advance deductions. On December 27, 2020, the President signed the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act (Economic Aid Act), which repealed Section 1110(e)(6) of the CARES Act.1

In order to implement the repeal, the Forgiveness Platform has been updated and, effective immediately, SBA will no longer deduct EIDL Advances from forgiveness payments remitted to PPP lenders. This change will be applied to SBA forgiveness payments with a status of “Payment Confirmed” dated December 29, 2020 or later.

For those loans where SBA remitted a forgiveness payment to a PPP lender that was reduced by an EIDL Advance, SBA will automatically remit a reconciliation payment to the PPP lender for the previously-deducted EIDL Advance amount, plus interest through the remittance date. PPP lenders are not required to request remittance of the reconciliation payment.

SBA will identify forgiveness payments that were reduced by EIDL Advances and automatically remit a reconciliation payment to the ACH account identified by the PPP lender in the Forgiveness Platform. Upon confirmation that the payment has been accepted by the PPP lender, SBA will generate a Notice of Paycheck Protection Program Reconciliation Payment that will be available in the Forgiveness Platform.

The PPP lender is responsible for notifying the borrower of the reconciliation payment. The PPP lender is also responsible for re-amortizing the loan and notifying the borrower of the amount of the next payment due, or advising the borrower that the loan has been paid in full, whichever is applicable. If the amount remitted by SBA to the PPP lender exceeds the remaining principal balance of the PPP loan (because the borrower made a payment on the loan), the PPP lender must remit the excess amount, including accrued interest paid by the borrower, to the borrower.

Questions concerning this Notice may be directed to the Lender Relations Specialist in the local
SBA Field Office. Local SBA Field Offices can be found at https://www.sba.gov/tools/localassistance/districtoffices

UPDATE: RURAL RELIEF SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS 
The Next Application Round will open Tuesday January 26th!

LISC is inviting small business owners in rural locations across the country to apply for the LISC-Lowe’s Rural Relief Small Business Grants program.

Who is eligible?
Only small businesses located in rural communities are eligible at this time. Rural communities are defined as having a population of 50,000 or less.

Non-profit organizations are ineligible for the relief funding program at this time, but may be eligible for later rounds of funding.

How it works

Applications are being accepted in “rounds”. You must submit a new application for each round in order to be considered for funding in that round. Below are the dates of upcoming rounds:

  • January 26 – February 2, 2021

All potential applicants are encouraged to review the FAQ and grant information before applying at https://www.lisc.org/…/small-business-assistance/rural-re…/…

ANNOUNCEMENT!
Statewide COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund for Small Businesses

In an effort to provide West Virginia businesses with resources and capital to assist during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Jim Justice and Secretary of Commerce Ed Gaunch recommended to the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Investment Program that several existing revolving loan funds be re-capitalized and made available to small business owners who have been impacted by the pandemic. The projects selected for the funding were announced earlier in June by Gov. Justice and Secretary Gaunch.

ARC funding recipients who are providing lending programs include the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council, Natural Capital Investment Fund, New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, Woodlands Community Lenders, Wyoming County Economic Development Authority, and the Center for Rural Health Development. Although, the loan program is not active yet, business owners should complete and submit the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund Eligibility form for consideration.

Loan Information

SBA ANNOUNCEMENTS!

PPP Re-opening Announcement

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced today (1/8/21) that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13.  The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter.

For more information on SBA’s assistance to small businesses, visit sba.gov/ppp or treasury.gov/cares.

 

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

SBA is currently accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications from all qualified small businesses, including agricultural businesses, and private nonprofit organizations.

If you have already applied via the streamlined application portal, please do not resubmit your application.

There is no indication of how long the portal will remain open, so it’s important that interested eligible businesses apply as soon as possible. More information can be found at the link below.

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/economic-injury-disaster-loan-emergency-advance

Previous EIDL & Advances Status If you submitted an application, received correspondence from SBA, and have a loan number that begins with a “3”, you are in the queue and your patience is appreciated. If you would like to further inquire about the process and understand what to expect next you should contact the Office of Disaster Assistance 24/7 Customer Service line at 800-659-2955.

What to do if my EIDL was declined?
Additionally, if your COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan was declined, you can request reconsideration within six months of the date of the decline letter. Include your application number and information required to overcome the reason for decline. You can send this information via email to pdcrecons@sba.gov or mail to the U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas, 76155

SBA closes EIDL Advance program after granting $20 billion

A program to provide grants to small businesses awaiting a decision on their Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications closed after exhausting $20 billion in emergency funding provided to it by Congress, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced Saturday.

The EIDL Advance program provided businesses with $1,000 per employee up to a maximum of $10,000. Recipients did not have to be approved for a loan to receive Advance program funds. The funds went to nearly 6 million small businesses, including not-for-profit organizations, sole proprietors, and independent contractors, among others, the SBA said in a news release.

SBA and Treasury Announce New EZ and Revised Full Forgiveness Applications for the Paycheck Protection Program

Today, Wednesday June 17, the U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, posted a revised, user-friendly Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness application implementing the PPP Flexibility Act of 2020. In addition to revising the full forgiveness application, the SBA also published a new “EZ” version of the forgiveness application applying to borrowers who:

  • Are self-employed and have no employees; OR
  • Did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%, and did not reduce the number or hours of their employees; OR
  • Experienced reductions in business activity as a result of health directives related to COVID-19 and did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%

Details regarding the applicability of these provisions are available in the instructions to the new EZ application form. Both applications give borrowers the option of using the original 8-week covered period (if their loan was made before June 5, 2020) or an extended 24-week covered period. These changes will result in a more efficient process and make it easier for businesses to realize full forgiveness of their PPP loan.

  • Click here to view the EZ Forgiveness Application.
  • Click here to view the Full Forgiveness Application.
WV Energy Efficiency Impact Grant Program

The West Virginia Office of Energy, in partnership with the Jackson County Development Authority, have launched the WV Energy Efficiency Impact Grant Program.

Due to the recent economic strain felt by small businesses during the coronavirus, this micro-grant program is designed to assist small businesses throughout the state in making energy efficiency upgrades to their business. Current funding allows for at least 12 micro-grants to be awarded, totaling no more than $3,000 each.

Another round of funding for this program will be available on October 1, 2020. Funding for this program is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, thus, their guidelines and requirements must be observed. While this program is being administered by the Jackson County Development Authority on behalf of the West Virginia Office of Energy, all small businesses in West Virginia who meet the requirements are eligible to apply.

Applicants may request up to $3,000 in grant funds to be put toward the allowable energy efficiency upgrades per the U.S. Department of Energy, as seen below. Again, funding is limited at this time and only twelves grants will be awarded in the first round of funding. A second round of funding will begin October 1, 2020.

An application does not guarantee the business will receive the grant. If a business is awarded the grant, funds must be spent within twelve months and receipts and reports must be provided to demonstrate the funds were used properly. Selected applicants must consent to a virtual/no-contact energy audit, via phone or video conference. See below for eligibility criteria.

Allowable uses for the grant:
– Installation of insulation
– Installation of energy efficient lighting
– HVAC upgrades (to existing systems)
– Weather sealing
– Purchase and installation of ENERGY STAR appliances (includes but not limited to, furnaces and air conditioners)

Criteria for Eligible Businesses:
– Must be a registered business in good standing with the State of West Virginia.
– Have a physical establishment within the state.
– Business must have been established on or before May 1, 2019
– Have no more than 15 full-time employees (as of April 1, 2020);
– Generate $1 million or less in profits in 2019.
– Have no pre-existing tax liens or legal judgements

The following entities are NOT eligible:
– Home-based businesses
– Churches
– Non-profit organizations
– Banks & financial institutions
– Investment real-estate entities
– Government agencies

To learn more or to apply please visit: https://energywv.org/index.php…

MBAs Fight COVID

A group of Harvard MBA students is leading a pro bono service for small businesses called MBAs Fight COVID. The program has over 150 MBA students from across the country that are volunteering their time to provide pro bono assistance to small businesses in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. The students have worked with over 400 businesses across the country, largely in accessing federal funding programs (PPP, EIDL) and answering questions on PPP forgiveness. Students are committed to spending ~1-3 hours on each project to help answer questions and help small businesses access these programs.

If you know small businesses that may be interested in receiving assistance from an MBA student, please have them fill out the short form linked https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSd9ZCJF5gWIfLFtaJ…/viewform

Learn more at mbasfightcovid19.com

PPP Forgiveness Application Creator

PPP.BANK is a free, secure resource for small businesses, non-profits, and sole proprietors across the United States who received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and are now applying for forgiveness. The website automates the 11-page forgiveness application and results in a .pdf that can be provided to the lender.

PPP.BANK is committed to zero data collection. This website is a free tool intended to ease the forgiveness process with your bank, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, but is not affiliated with any of these entities. You will still need to submit your final application to the appropriate channels to be granted forgiveness. Accuracy is dependent upon the information you provide, and we cannot guarantee any of the analysis or results produced. By using this tool, you agree that you are 100% responsible for the generated data. If the application process evolves, we will attempt to timely modify this tool as possible.

Check it out at www.ppp.bank

IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM THE WV OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Tuesday 9/15  it was announced that a new GOLD category has been added to the School re-entry metric. The updated guidelines can be viewed at https://wvde.us/school-reentry-metrics-protocols/

West Virginia’s school re-entry is guided by metrics developed by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR).  Based on a four-color system – green, yellow, gold, orange and red – each county is assigned a color based on the prevalence of COVID-19 within their borders.

Friday 6/26 the Governor Justice announced a new assistance program, the Governor has earmarked $150 million of the federal relief money the state received to assist small businesses. Only businesses with 5-35 full time employees will qualify and the amount per business will be $10,000. The Governor’s Office is managing this effort. As we receive more information we will share updates regarding this program.

 

During a press briefing on 4/27 with the Justice Administration the Governor delivered his plan to reopen the state beginning after three consecutive days of less than 3% statewide positive tests. The plan is split into six-week phases and can be viewed in the PDF below.

WV Strong The Comeback – 4/28

 

On 4/29 the Governor announced that reopening will begin on Thursday 4/30. Information continues to be updated at coronavirus.wv.gov.

OPENING CRITERIA
–  Three consecutive days maintaining statewide Cumulative Percent of Positive Test Results below 3%. The current numbers can be viewed at https://dhhr.wv.gov/COVID-19/Pages/default.aspx

– Allowing to open, NOT requiring to open

CONDITIONS FOR REOPENING TO SLOW, STOP OR REVERSE
– An unexpected increase in COVID-19 positive hospitalizations
– Significant outbreaks of community-based transmission (not clusters or outbreaks in nursing homes or vulnerable communities) This could be on a county by county or regional hotspot basis.
– Cumulative Percent of Positive Test Results surges

WEST VIRGINIANS SHOULD CONTINUE TO
– Continue to practice physical distancing
– Wear face coverings in public where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain
– Follow statewide Stay at Home Order until lifted
– Follow all county Health Department regulations
– Telework when possible

GOING FORWARD
– Guidance for each business sector will be released in advance
– Limitation on size of gatherings still in place until lifted
– Testing data tracked and analyzed daily
– Reopening plan will be modified as necessary

Follow updates at coronavirus.wv.gov and governor.wv.gov

UPDATE: West Virginia CARES Act Small Business Grant Program – The application period has closed.
Governor Justice’s WV CARES Act Small Business Grant Program provides West Virginia’s small businesses—the backbone of the West Virginia economy—much needed relief by granting up to $5,000 to West Virginia small businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Small businesses are eligible if they:
• Have between 1 and 35 full time employees based on the number of employees reported to WorkForce WV in your most recent filing prior to 3/1/2020.
• Have their principle place of business in WV
• Were qualified to do business in WV and in operation as of March 1, 2020
• Are currently and intend to remain qualified to do business in WV and in operation for at least the next twelve months
• Are in good standing with the State Tax Department and WorkForce West Virginia
• Are a for-profit business
• Are not in violation of any state order or decree (e.g., mine safety, DEP citations, etc.)
• Are not presently suspended, debarred, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or otherwise excluded from participation in any federal grant program, and are not presently a debtor in any pending bankruptcy (including any owners of the business)
• Have suffered eligible expenses and/or losses because of the COVID-19 pandemic

APPLY HERE

Eligible expenses and losses include direct out of pocket expenses, such as purchases of PPE for staff and costs of re-stocking inventory in order to reopen, as well as losses due to business closures, reduced sales, or suspended operations. A complete list of eligible expenses and losses is provided here.

The process for applying for WV CARES Act Small Business Grant funds begins by becoming a registered Vendor in the wvOASIS system. You must be a registered Vendor to receive WV CARES Act Small Business Grant funds.

An eligible business can apply to be a registered Vendor—without needing to pay the typical $125 fee for registration as a Vendor (Grant Applicants should choose the “Pay Fee Later” Button: see quick user guide:https://prod-fin-vss.wvoasis.gov/LoginExternal/Forms/AMS_Advantage_VSS_3.9_Registration_Guide.pdf)—in wvOASIS at https://www.wvoasis.gov/, and clicking “VSS.” During the registration process a W-9 will be required. Businesses owned by individuals are required to provide the associated EIN (FEIN or SSN) that business is registered with.

They ask that any current vendors or those vendors who plan to continue to do business with the State in the future, to please sign up for electronic funds transfer (EFT), at https://www.wvsao.gov/ElectronicPayments/Default.

Other vendors who choose to not sign up for EFT, will receive a paper check which will be mailed to a physical address in West Virginia.

Applications available here. You will need your Vendor number to begin the application process.

Applications will be accepted through September 30, 2020.

Governor Justice is committed to providing this assistance to all eligible small businesses in West Virginia, and submission of an application earlier or later than another application will not count for or against the applicant business in the decision to award grant funds.

FAQ’s Small Business Grant_ 7.15.2020

All information found by visiting  https://grants.wv.gov/en/flexible-page?pageId=1424

Helpful Tips for Your Business During & After COVID-19

With talks of starting to reopen businesses but no definitive date set, we wanted to help businesses start preparing themselves mentally and physically for the day they can switch the closed signs on their doors to open. With that being said, we looked for resources out there with tips to restarting your business following a pandemic or emergency. We gathered what we could, added our own tips and designed these guides.

There are two guides, one for businesses and a separate guide specifically for restaurants. These will posted on our Facebook today (4/22) as well and you are free to share with businesses that may find it useful!

Business Guide

Restaurant Guide

REOPENING AND TELEWORK RESOURCES
RestoreYourEconomy.org – IEDC and US EDA

RestoreYourEconomy.org provides resources and best practice information for public and private stakeholders who are seeking to rebuild their local economies after an economic disruption, be it a natural disaster or man-made crisis, as well as assist the business community in preparing for a disruption. RestoreYourEconomy.org is managed and regularly updated by Delaney Luna at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in cooperation with the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).

Printable Social Distancing Signs for your Business

These signs can be placed around you business to help remind employees and customers of proper social distancing, hand washing techniques and more.

How to Wear A Mask

Proper Hand Washing

Social Distancing

These signs can be placed on the  floor as markers for social distancing.

Floor Sign 1

Floor Sign 2

Floor Sign 3

These signs can be laminated and used with dry erase markers.

Temporary Store Hours

Store Capacity

Other PDFs

Sample Remote Workplace Safety Checklist – McGriff

Business Impact and Business Locator and Operations Surveys

On April 15, 2020, the WV Association of Regional Councils (WVARC), WV Chamber of Commerce, the WV Development Office and the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority announced a partnership to maximize stimulus funds for West Virginia in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Specifically, the organizations will be collecting data on the impact of business closures and accommodations to better understand recovery needs and to assist the public with locating restaurants, pharmacies and other businesses that are still providing services in the midst of closures.

 

The Business Impact Survey
Please complete this survey if you are a business and would like to report the difficulties realized by your business due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Business Locator and Operations Survey
Please complete this survey if you are a business and would like to update the opening and closing times of your store.

 

Please consider taking a few minutes to answer each of these surveys here: https://west-virginia-covid-19-business-impact-region1.hub.…

Paycheck Protection Program

Tuesday evening (3/31), the Treasury released guidelines regarding the Paycheck Protection Program. If you haven’t read about the program, it offers funds to pay 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits if you keep employees on your payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have under 500 employees, you may apply. If you have over 500 employees, certain industries can apply.

PPP Re-opening Announcement!

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced today (1/8/21) that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13.  The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter.

Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility was released on January 6 in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.

This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.

 

Key PPP updates include:

  • PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
  • PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
  • The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, direct marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
  • The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.

 

The new guidance released includes:

For more information on SBA’s assistance to small businesses, visit sba.gov/ppp or treasury.gov/cares.

Program Overview

Program Overview

The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to help small businesses stay open and provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.

SBA will forgive portions of loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for 8 or 24 weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through August 8, 2020.

Who Can Apply

Who Can Apply

This program is for any small business with less than 500 employees (including sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed persons), private non-profit organization or 501(c)(19) veterans organizations affected by coronavirus/COVID-19.

Businesses in certain industries may have more than 500 employees if they meet the SBA’s size standards for those industries. Small businesses in the hospitality and food industry with more than one location could also be eligible at the store and location level if the store employs less than 500 workers. This means each store location could be eligible.

Eligible Businesses

  – A small business with fewer than 500 employees

  – A small business that otherwise meets the SBA’s size standard

  – A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization with fewer than 500 employees

  – An individual who operates as a sole proprietor

  – An individual who operates as an independent contractor

  – An individual who is self-employed who regularly carries on any trade or business

  – A Tribal business concern that meets the SBA size standard

  – A 501(c) (19) Veterans Organization that meets the SBA size standard

  – If you are in the accommodation and food services sector (NAICS 72), the 500-employee rule is applied on a per physical location basis

– If you are operating as a franchise or receive financial assistance from an approved Small Business Investment Company, the normal affiliation rules do not apply

Ineligible Businesses

 – Businesses engaged in illegal activity under federal, state or local law. (Cannabis warning)

 – A household employer (e.g. if you have a nanny, staff, etc.)

– Any previous defaults on a federal loan in last 7 years

How to Apply

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 in the program.

Lenders may begin processing loan applications as soon as April 3, 2020.

Items you will need to give to your bank in order to apply:

– 2019 and 2020 year-to-date monthly Profit & Loss statements
– 2019 and 2020 year-to-date Payroll Reports
– State Income, Payroll & Unemployment Insurance Filings
– Tax ID/EIN and complete ownership information

Loan Details and Foregiveness

Loan Details and Forgiveness

Portions of the loan will be forgiven if the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 60% (Originally 75%) of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payments will also be deferred for one year. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. The SBA will not charge small businesses any fees.

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.

This loan has a maturity of 2 or 5 years and an interest rate of 1%.

PPP Loan Forgiveness Application (Revised 6.16.2020)

PPP Forgiveness Application 3508EZ ( Revised 06.16.2020)

More Information

Important Information Highlights

 – 1% interest rate 

 – 5 year term (previously 2 yr term)

 – $10,000,000 Maximum Loan Amount

 – Payments for the loan will be deferred for 1 year. (Interest continues to accrue.)

 –  No collateral or personal guarantees required

 – Forms needed by borrower:

        – SBA Form 2483 (PPP Application)

        – Payroll documentation

 – Lender forms:

        – SBA Form 2484

        – Must be filed electronically

Available until August 8, 2020

Need an SBA Lender?

Need an SBA Lender?

– Check with your bank or lender and see if they are an SBA Lender

– Find a lender through SBA’s PPP Lender Finder tool by inputting your zip code

– PDF of available WV SBA lenders SBA – WV Banks 4.8.2020

The PPP Flexibility Act of 2020

The PPP Flexibility Act of 2020, which included language championed by the bill Senator Manchin introduced, was passed by Congress earlier this month. The bill makes the following changes to the PPP program:
  • Extends the period to use a PPP loan from 8 weeks to 24 weeks (or until Dec 31 if the 24 weeks would go beyond Dec 31, 2020)
  • The bill reduces the amount of PPP proceeds that must be spent on payroll costs from 75 percent to 60 percent
  • The bill increases the repayment period for PPP loans issued after enactment from 2 years to 5 years (for the portion not forgiven).   Lenders and small businesses with PPP loans issued already would be allowed to modify to a 5 year repayment period if both agree, but they are not required to.
  • The bill allows businesses that receive loan forgiveness from PPP to also defer their 2020 payroll tax and pay half in 2021 and half in 2022.
  • The bill extends the rehiring date from June 30 to Dec. 31 for the purposes of having individuals back on payroll for loan forgiveness.
  • Any business that qualifies for loan forgiveness based on the 8 week period in the original CARES Act can elect to keep that covered period so that they do not lose forgiveness because of the date change in this new bill.
  • The bill creates a new exemption that allows businesses to obtain full loan forgiveness even if they don’t rehire all their workers by Dec 31 if they show an inability to rehire their employees or similarly qualified employees by the Dec 31 deadline.
  • The bill creates another new exemption that allows businesses to obtain full loan forgiveness even if they don’t rehire all workers by Dec 31 if they show that the reason is due to state or local health restrictions.  (For example, a restaurant that is only allow to use 50 percent of its capacity under a state health order could rehire 50 percent of its employees and still get full loan forgiveness)
  • The bill extends the deferment period for delaying repayment of a PPP loan that is not forgiven from 6 months to 1 year.

Looking for Guidance Related to PPP?

This FAQ sheet from treasury.gov could be a lifesaver, it’s packed full of frequently asked questions and answers!

One of our main takeaways, DOCUMENTATION IS KEY FOR LOAN FORGIVENESS!

Example – Question #40 – Will a borrower’s PPP loan forgiveness amount (pursuant to section 1106 of the CARES Act and SBA’s implementing rules and guidance) be reduced if the borrower laid off an employee, offered to rehire the same employee, but the employee declined the offer?

Answer: No. As an exercise of the Administrator’s and the Secretary’s authority under Section 1106(d)(6) of the CARES Act to prescribe regulations granting de minimis exemptions from the Act’s limits on loan forgiveness, SBA and Treasury intend to issue an interim final rule excluding laid-off employees whom the borrower offered to rehire (for the same salary/wages and same number of hours) from the CARES Act’s loan forgiveness reduction calculation. The interim final rule will specify that, to qualify for this exception, the borrower must have made a good faith, written offer of rehire, and the employee’s rejection of that offer must be documented by the borrower. Employees and employers should be aware that employees who reject offers of re-employment may forfeit eligibility for continued unemployment compensation.

View the FAQ sheet here:
https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf

SBA WV Lenders

If you are interested in applying for the Paycheck Protection Program, please contact your financial institution to see if they are an SBA lender, or would like to become one. A list of SBA lenders in West Virginia can be found starting on page 27 in the resource guide. 

Resource Guide

Please understand that banks, accountants and our own office are recieving this information a bit at a time and are working hard to follow and figure out the details. We want to help you. If you have questions, please let us know. I highly recommend touching base with your accountant or local banker about this program if you have additional questions.

Since there is a funding cap, please apply as quickly as possible. Get your application ready to submit!

West Virginia Small Business Training Opportunities
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program & Paycheck Protection Program
UPDATE – WV District Office Trainings

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s West Virginia District Office is here to help you through the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Please join them for a webinar to discuss the various programs available to assist small businesses with COVID-19 recovery.

PPP Forgiveness EZ Application Training

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s West Virginia District Office walks you through the process of filling out the Paycheck Protection Program EZ Application. Join us as we review who can use the EZ form and they will go step by step in how to fill the form out. Easy as 1-2-3!

Registration required, click date below to register or visit the WV SBA website to learn more!

  • There are currently no new dates scheduled.

 

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Information Session

Join SBA’s West Virginia District Office staff for an information session on the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). This presentation covers EIDL qualifications, application process, and reconsideration (if denied). The session concludes with a Q&A opportunity for attendees.

  • There are currently no new dates scheduled.

Q&A sessions with SBA:

Every Thursday at 12 pm EDT  – An unscripted Q&A with SBA session featuring: Kim Donahue, SBA Charleston Branch Manager, Melissa Loder, SBA WV Senior Area Business Opportunity Specialist, and Nikki Bowmar, SBA WV Public Affairs Specialist.

Schedule could change based on need and situation.

Training log on information Q&A’s

Link: Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
Phone: 202-765-1264
Conference ID: 402791363#

SBA MORE INFORMATION

You may also contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Center at  800-659-2955 or via email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, if you have a question regarding your EIDL application.

If you have inquiries about the EIDL process please visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/

EIDL Update 5/4/20

U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today (5/4) that agricultural businesses are now eligible for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs. SBA’s EIDL portal will reopen today (5/4) as a result of funding authorized by Congress through the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act. The legislation, signed into law by the President one week ago, provided additional funding for farmers and ranchers and certain other agricultural businesses affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“For more than 30 years, SBA has been prohibited by law from providing disaster assistance to agricultural businesses; however, as a result of the unprecedented legislation enacted by President Trump, American farmers, ranchers and other agricultural businesses will now have access to emergency working capital,” said Administrator Carranza. “These low-interest, long-term loans will help keep agricultural businesses viable while bringing stability to the nation’s vitally important food supply chains.”

Agricultural businesses include businesses engaged in the legal production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries (as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)). Eligible agricultural businesses must have 500 or fewer employees.

The SBA will begin accepting new EIDL applications on a limited basis only, in order to provide unprecedented relief to U.S. agricultural businesses. For agricultural businesses that submitted an EIDL loan application through the streamlined application portal prior to the legislative change, SBA will move forward and process these applications without the need for re-applying. All other EIDL loan applications that were submitted before the portal stopped accepting new applications on April 15 will be processed on a first-in, first-out basis.

For more information please visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available in West Virginia Following Secretary of Agriculture Disaster Declaration for Excessive Rain and Cold Temperatures

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced earlier this week that working capital disaster loans are now available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and private nonprofit organizations located in Wood County, West Virginia as a result of excessive rain and cold temperatures on April 23 through June 5, 2020. 

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farmrelated and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. With the exception of aquaculture enterprises, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers and ranchers. 

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 3.75 percent for small businesses and 2.75 percent for private nonprofit organizations of all sizes, with terms up to 30 years. 

These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits. 

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov and should apply under SBA declaration # 16637, not for the COVID-19 incident. 

Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. 

Loan applications can be downloaded from www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than April 28, 2021.

Repeal of EIDL Advance Deduction

EFFECTIVE: January 8, 2021 – Section 1110(e)(6) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) required SBA to deduct the amount of any Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance received by a PPP borrower from the PPP forgiveness payment remitted by SBA to the PPP lender. On October 2, 2020, SBA began remitting forgiveness payments to PPP lenders, with the required EIDL Advance deductions. On December 27, 2020, the President signed the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act (Economic Aid Act), which repealed Section 1110(e)(6) of the CARES Act.1

In order to implement the repeal, the Forgiveness Platform has been updated and, effective immediately, SBA will no longer deduct EIDL Advances from forgiveness payments remitted to PPP lenders. This change will be applied to SBA forgiveness payments with a status of “Payment Confirmed” dated December 29, 2020 or later.

For those loans where SBA remitted a forgiveness payment to a PPP lender that was reduced by an EIDL Advance, SBA will automatically remit a reconciliation payment to the PPP lender for the previously-deducted EIDL Advance amount, plus interest through the remittance date. PPP lenders are not required to request remittance of the reconciliation payment.

SBA will identify forgiveness payments that were reduced by EIDL Advances and automatically remit a reconciliation payment to the ACH account identified by the PPP lender in the Forgiveness Platform. Upon confirmation that the payment has been accepted by the PPP lender, SBA will generate a Notice of Paycheck Protection Program Reconciliation Payment that will be available in the Forgiveness Platform.

The PPP lender is responsible for notifying the borrower of the reconciliation payment. The PPP lender is also responsible for re-amortizing the loan and notifying the borrower of the amount of the next payment due, or advising the borrower that the loan has been paid in full, whichever is applicable. If the amount remitted by SBA to the PPP lender exceeds the remaining principal balance of the PPP loan (because the borrower made a payment on the loan), the PPP lender must remit the excess amount, including accrued interest paid by the borrower, to the borrower.

Questions concerning this Notice may be directed to the Lender Relations Specialist in the local
SBA Field Office. Local SBA Field Offices can be found at https://www.sba.gov/tools/localassistance/districtoffices

COVID-19 Business Relief Resources by the West Virginia Development Office

In order to aid businesses and communities dealing with the impact of COVID-19, the West Virginia Department of Commerce has developed a directory of human and financial resources. Please continue to receive public health information from the Department of Health and Human Resources and Governor Jim Justice’s official website. Below you will find important information about resources from both state and federal agencies available to businesses and communities affected economically from COVID-19.  https://westvirginia.gov/covid19/

 

Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist

SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF PROGRAMS

The City of Parkersburg and The City of Vienna have both recently launched Small Business Relief Programs.  Below are the program guidelines, application and informational handout for each.  Please feel free to share this information. This information is also available on the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council’s website at https://www.movrc.org​

Note, applications were due to the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council by Friday, October 16th at 10 a.m, application period currently closed.

Truist-LISC Small Business Relief Fund

UPDATE: The Round 5 application period is now closed. Please register here to be notified of the next round. LISC does not have a national small business grant application round for urban markets scheduled at this time. See below for additional small business grant opportunities and resources at the local level that you may apply for.

Historically underinvested communities across urban and rural America are facing enormous economic challenges from the fallout of Covid-19. Small businesses, many of which operate on a cash basis, are struggling to stay afloat and keep employees on the payroll. Nonprofit organizations face skyrocketing demand from residents seeking help with housing, food access and unemployment benefits, and the same time are having to pivot their operations to deliver services remotely.

The digital divide has never been as glaringly apparent—or critical—as it is now, with so many households, especially in rural areas, lacking the connectivity and technology that enables parents to work from home and students to do their school work remotely. Ordering household supplies, consulting with doctors, connecting with friends and relatives—all the online connections we now rely on for daily living—are out of reach.

Thanks to a $5 million grant from Truist, LISC will address the evolving needs of small businesses, nonprofit organizations and families impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the related economic downturn. This partnership will help hundreds of businesses and nonprofits sustain operations as well as bridge the digital divide that prevents millions of people from accessing quality job and educational opportunities. These efforts will promote sustained relief and recovery in urban and rural communities across America.

What are they Offering?

Small Business Support

Grants of up to $10,000 each to small business owners, especially in rural communities and to enterprises owned by women and minorities, to help meet their most immediate needs. Eligible expenses include:

o  Rent and utilities

o  Payroll

o  Outstanding debt to vendors

o  Technology infrastructure upgrades

o  Other immediate operational costs

Technical assistance to help small businesses weather the current crisis and plan for a sustainable future. This includes tips on how to navigate federal, state and local assistance programs as well as private funding sources, in addition a program to help businesses assess and adapt to a new business environment.

Access to Technology and Broadband

Cash grants of up to $250 each to households to purchase laptops/tablets, set up and pay for internet, or address other urgent technology needs.

Teams of “digital navigators” to help families maximize internet access, including signing up for subsidies/benefits; basic troubleshooting; and enrolling in computer skills programs.

Grants to nonprofit organizations to upgrade technology infrastructure to deliver services remotely.

Technical assistance to connect areas of density (housing developments, senior centers, etc.) to existing broadband infrastructure and to use satellite service to provide Wi-Fi in rural communities without connectivity.

FAQ

Before applying, please review the grant information and FAQ here. 

If you have questions not answered by the FAQ, please email smallbusinessgrants@lisc.org. Learn more at:

https://www.lisc.org/covid-19/small-business-assistance/small-business-relief-grants/truist/

UPDATE: RURAL RELIEF SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS 

The next application round will open Tuesday January 26th!

LISC is inviting small business owners in rural locations across the country to apply for the LISC-Lowe’s Rural Relief Small Business Grants program.

Who is eligible?
Only small businesses located in rural communities are eligible at this time. Rural communities are defined as having a population of 50,000 or less.

Non-profit organizations are ineligible for the relief funding program at this time, but may be eligible for later rounds of funding.

How it works

Applications are being accepted in “rounds”. You must submit a new application for each round in order to be considered for funding in that round. Below are the dates of upcoming rounds:

  • January 26 – February 2, 2021

All potential applicants are encouraged to review the FAQ and grant information before applying at https://www.lisc.org/…/small-business-assistance/rural-re…/…

Other LISC Small Business Relief Opportunities

State-by-state mentorship and support services for small businesses

Main Street Lending Program
Main Street Lending Program Becomes Operational June 15, 2020

On June 15, 2020, through the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston, the Main Street Lending Program commenced.The Federal Reserve established the Main Street Lending Program (Program) to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofit organizations that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Program operates through five facilities: the Main Street New Loan Facility (MSNLF), the Main Street Priority Loan Facility (MSPLF), the Main Street Expanded Loan Facility (MSELF), the Nonprofit Organization New Loan Facility (NONLF) and the Nonprofit Organization Expanded Loan Facility (NOELF).

Learn more at www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/mainstreetlending.htm

U.S. Chamber Foundation Launches Grant Program to Support Small Business Recovery

A message from the US Chamber Foundation:

The Save Small Business Fund is a way for larger businesses and philanthropies to help the small business community suffering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are continuing to award grants to our existing list of applicants as new funds become available, but due to overwhelming demand, the Chamber Foundation is no longer accepting new applications from the general public. We wish we could help everyone in this challenging time. You can find more non-financial resources here.

To learn about opportunities to support the Save Small Business Fund, please visit https://savesmallbusiness.com/

COVID-19 Map

Below you can view a Mapping Intelligence Component to provide up-to-date information about the spread of the novel coronavirus across the United States. This data comes from the New York Times and is updated daily. Select the entire country or any specific county or region from the drop-down menu, then click on the COVID-19 tab to choose which variables you’d like to display.

Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council (MOVRC) COVID-19 Response Hub

MOVRC has completed development of a COVID-19 Response Hub for the public to access information about COVID-19, and how it is affecting their eight county region. Counties in the MOVRC region include Calhoun, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt, and Wood. The Hub can be accessed by the public for free. It has a current, updated daily map of the COVID-19 cases in the MOVRC region.

The hub can be accessed at https://esri-movrc-coronavirus-hub-movrc.hub.arcgis.com/

 

Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley MOV Restaurants Facebook Page

Want to support your local eateries but unsure of their hours or offerings? Jill and Nicole have helped with that! The MOV Restaurant Facebook page is a place for local restaurants to post updates regarding their hours, menus, family-style meals and more. Check it out by visiting https://www.facebook.com/groups/667075037362936/

 

West Virginia Tax Department COVID-19 Response Page

The filing deadline for personal income taxes and corporation net income taxes in West Virginia has been extended to July 15. Click here for information about the virus’ impact on deadlines, sales tax remittance and other issues.  

Ogden Newspapers $1 Million Fund

UPDATE: This program has reached its $1,000,000 match goal, if interested please feel free to fill out the application by following the link below and they will be in touch with you as more programs become available.

Ogden Newspapers Inc., the parent company of The Parkersburg News and Sentinel, has established a $1 million fund to help local businesses get back to full strength by subsidizing local marketing efforts through matching advertising dollars.

ogdennews.com/community-grant. 

Facebook Small Business Grant Program

UPDATE: This program is no longer accepting applications.

Local Community Needs Assessment

Senator Joe Manchin’s office is requesting any organization in need of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to please fill out this Local Community Needs Assessment form and return it to his office by email at common_sense@manchin.senate.gov

Restaurant Employee Relief Fund

STATUS UPDATE: One-time $500 grants are being provided to restaurant workers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Approximately 60 percent of recipients are between the ages of 21 and 35 and nearly 60 percent identify as female. Fifty percent of grants went to racial minorities. Eighty percent of grant recipients reported earning less than $50,000 per year in household income before being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund is now closed for new applications and the team is busy ensuring all awardees receive and access their RERF grant checks.

Learn more at https://rerf.us/