Paycheck Protection Program

April 3, 2020

The Paycheck Protection Program is a U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the COVID-19 crisis.

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

You can apply through any existing SBA lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. You can also go to your local banker for Paycheck Protection. Find a local lender here.

Lenders may begin processing loan applications as soon as April 3, 2020. The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020.

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 organizations, or veteran organizations affected by COVID-19.

Loan Detail and Forgiveness

The loan will be fully forgiven if the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. Loan payments 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.

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 years and an interest rate of 1%.

If you wish to begin preparing your application, you can download a copy of the PPP borrower application form to see the information that will be requested from you when you apply with a lender.

Lender Forms and Guidance

The Interim Final Rule announcing the Paycheck Protection Program information is being posted in advance of publication in the Federal Register. The official version will appear here.

For more information about the Paycheck Protection Program, click here or send them an email if you have any questions.

Click here to download the Paycheck Protection Program Lender Application Form. Lenders who need assistance accessing SBA’s E-Tran system to process loan guarantee requests may call our Lender Customer Service Line at 1-833-572-0502.