Paycheck Protection Program Portal Opening
Courtesy of the U.S. Small Business Administration
On January 11, 2021, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in coordination with the U.S. Treasury Department, reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal, following the passage of legislation at the end of the 116th Congress.
Upon the reopening, the portal initially accepted First Draw PPP loan applications from participating CFIs, including Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs) and Microloan Intermediaries. Eligible small entities that have 500 or fewer employees - including nonprofits, veterans organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships and independent contractors - can apply through March 31, 2021. Entities with more than 500 employees in certain industries that meet SBA's alternative size standards can also apply through March 31, 2021.
On Jan. 13, 2021, participating CFIs may begin submitting application information to SBA for Second Draw PPP loans. A Second Draw PPP loan is for certain eligible borrowers that previously received a PPP loan, generally have 300 employees or less, and has suffered a 25% reduction in gross receipts.
A few days later, additional lenders will be able to submit First and Second draw PPP loan applications. SBA will continue to provide updates on systems operations during the week of Jan. 11, 2021. Additionally, SBA plans to dedicate specific times to process and assist the smallest PPP lenders with loan applications from eligible small businesses.
The opening of the SBA loan system is designed to efficiently and effectively implement the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act and to ensure increased access to the PPP for minority-, underserved-, veteran- and women-owned small business concerns. SBA also is calling upon its lending partners to redouble their efforts to assist eligible borrowers in underserved and disadvantaged communities.
Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available at www.sba.gov/ppp.