Every company has been facing unprecedented challenges in adjusting to life following the widespread outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Small businesses face particular difficulties due to, by definition, their limitation of resources — human, capital and otherwise. If this describes your company, one place you can look to for some assistance is the Small Business Administration (SBA). You can now apply for SBA COVID-19 loans online.

New Loan, Relaxed Criteria

In addition to the recent approval of the COVID-19 bill by congress, the SBA announces it’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) offering. The EIDL is under the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, which was recently signed into law.

Here’s how it works: The governor of a state or territory must first submit a request for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance to the SBA. The agency’s Office of Disaster Assistance then works with the governor to approve the request. Upon completion of this process, affected small businesses within the state gain access to information on how to apply for loan assistance.

To speed the process, the SBA has relaxed its usual disaster-loan criteria. A state or territory now needs to certify that at least five small businesses have suffered substantial economic injury anywhere in the state. Previously, at least one of the companies had to be in each of the disaster-declared counties or parishes.

Along similar lines, once the EIDL loan application process is completed, funds will be available across the state. Under previous criteria, only businesses in counties identified as disaster areas could obtain financial assistance. Given the expected widespread and economically drastic effect of the coronavirus, most states will have likely garnered approval by the time you read this.

Amount, Interest and Terms with SBA COVID-19 Loans

Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in financial assistance to help small businesses mitigate their revenue losses. For your disaster recovery plan, you could use the money to pay overhead costs. Examples include utilities and rent, keeping up with accounts payable and covering payroll.

For qualifying small businesses, the interest rate is 3.75%. Some nonprofits may also be eligible for this assistance. For them, the interest rate is 2.75%. The specific loan terms will vary according to each borrower’s ability to pay. The agency does say that it “offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable.”

Mitigate and Manage

Bear in mind that these SBA COVID-19 loans are just one form of assistance that the SBA offers. Your small business may qualify for other loans, and there might be training programs that benefit your company. Our accounting firm can help you assess your financial situation in light of the coronavirus crisis and formulate a strategy for mitigating and managing your risks going forward.

For additional resources and information, here is an overview of the recent CARES Act that was signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020.