How To Make The Most Out Of The Stimulus Package
Small Business Resources
$370B has been allocated toward small businesses at the Federal level. While this may seem like a large amount of money dedicated to the average business, these funds will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Small business makes up 99% of all employers and this is meant for just that - to retain employees and continue operating your business. This is the time to seize the opportunity and take advantage of these programs sooner rather than later. While signed into law on Friday, March 27, 2020 it will take at least 2-3 weeks for applications to be approved and possibly another 30 days in conjunction with local banks to finally distribute the funds.
I’ve sorted through the most direct and up-to-date (and sometimes confusing and tedious) data from various government websites, media outlets, industry experts and companies to help you understand what support is available, exactly how to apply for it, and what you should be taking advantage of to successfully navigate your business through COVID-19.
If you have specific questions on your business or are not sure how to navigate any of the applications below, email me at contact@hardycap.com or schedule a quick call with me here.
**Update: This was written April 2, 2020. While most programs are currently closed or oversubscribed I highly encourage you to take action and call your local banks directly to find out what resources are available. More updates to come.
***Update: Program is currently closed as PPP has been oversubscribed. More funds to be released after house vote on Thursday, April 23. More details to come.
Eligibility: Businesses under 500 employees (includes sole proprietorships, independent contractors, and self-employed). If you are a restaurant, a venture backed company or are not sure of company size click here and here.
Amount: Loans will max out at the lesser of $10 million or 2.5x the average total monthly payroll for the last year.
Terms: Maturity of 2 years and an interest rate of .5% with payments deferred for 6 months. Loan is forgiven when employees are kept on the payroll for 8 weeks and funds are used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. More details here.
How to Apply: Provide this to your local bank once they open for applications (anticipate Friday April 3, 2020).
Eligibility: Small businesses in declared disaster states (currently all 50 states).
Amount: Up to $2M. Amounts over $25,000 will require collateral or personal guarantee.
Terms: Repayment terms can be up to 30 years at a rate of 3.75% (2.75% for non-profits) with payments deferred up to 1 year, however interest will begin accruing immediately. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.
How To Apply: Click here to apply. Depending on your business, you may need to download additional forms which can be found here and have on hand the documents below as well.
**BONUS: EVERYONE AND ANYONE SHOULD USE THIS LINK TO APPLY FOR A $10,000 EMERGENCY ADVANCE WHICH YOU WILL STILL RECEIVE EVEN IF YOU ARE LATER DENIED A LOAN. THIS MUST BE PAID 3 DAYS AFTER AN APPLICATION DECISION. IF YOU IGNORE EVERY OTHER PROGRAM THIS IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT APPLICATION YOU SHOULD FILE.
Documents to Have on Hand
Most recent personal/business tax returns (2018, if 2019 not available)
Personal/business financial statements
Schedule of liabilities listing all current debts
Budget for proceeds
*Not sure how to gather your finances or create a personal/business financial statement? Want a second look? Email me here and I will be happy to help: contact@hardycap.com
State and Local Resources
Don’t see your state or city? Email me and I will add them here based on request.
CALIFORNIA
**Bonus for individuals in California who have seen a reduction in hours, are effected by school closures, self-employed, or are taking care of a sick family member you are eligible for additional benefits. Click here. **
SMALL BUSINESS LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM
Eligibility: Small Businesses and non-profits located in California with up to 750 employees
Amount: Max Guarantee $1M and loans up to $20M.
Terms: Repayment terms guaranteed up to 7 years; term can be longer and interest rates negotiated between lender and borrower. Guarantees up to 80% – 95% of loan while qualifications based on lender criteria.
How To Apply: Choose the closest office to you and contact the lender directly to apply. Click here for the full list.
Eligibility: Small Businesses or individuals becoming a small business located in California. Borrowers must be a low wealth entrepreneur with a business located in a declared disaster area.
Amount: $500-10,000
Terms: Up to 5 years, fully amortized. Funds must be used for start up costs, property, inventory, or equipment
How To Apply: Contact one of the Jumpstart Financial Development Corporations (FDCs) here.
LOS ANGELES CITY MICROLOANS PROGRAM
Eligibility: For-profit and tax-exempt businesses in the City of LA with 100 or fewer employees
Amount: $5,000-$20,000
Term:
Option 1: 0% for a term of up to 18 months, with repayment deferred for up to 6 months.
Option 2: 3% for a term of up to 5 years, with repayment deferred for up to 12 months (for profit businesses).
Option 3: 2% for a term of up to 5 years, with repayment deferred for up to 12 months (for tax-exempt businesses).
How To Apply: Register and create a user name and apply online here.
SAN FRANCISCO SMALL BUSINESS RESILIENCY FUND
Eligibility: No more than 5 employees, demonstrate a loss in revenue of 25% or more, have less than $2,500,000 in gross receipts, and be engaged in activities that are regulated by the City and County of San Francisco and have a license/permit associated to that regulation.
Amount: $10,000
Term: Must be used for salary and rent
How To Apply: Complete the application and email to investsf@sfgov.org. Be sure to include proof of payroll costs 25% revenue loss.
NEW YORK
NYC EMPLOYEE RETENTION GRANT PROGRAM
Eligibility: Be located within the five boroughs of New York City, employ 1-4 employees in total across all locations, demonstrate that the COVID-19 outbreak caused at least a 25% decrease in revenue, have been in operation for at least 6 months. **The NYC Employee Retention Grant Program will officially stop accepting applications on Friday, April 3, 2020, at 5 p.m. **
Amount: Grants of up to $27,000 to small businesses to cover 40% of payroll costs for two months.
Term: None - This is a direct grant
How To Apply: Create an account and apply online here. Include the required list of documents in addition to two affidavits. Affidavit 1 and Affidavit 2.
NYC SMALL BUSINESS CONTINUITY LOAN FUND
Eligibility: Companies need to have <100 employees, be located in one of NYC’s five boroughs, demonstrate at least 25% revenue loss, have no tax liens or legal judgments, and prove that you’re able to repay the loan.
Amount: $75,000
Term: Interest free loan, must demonstrate ability to repay principal
How To Apply: Create an account and submit a preliminary application online here. Include the required list of documents in addition to an affidavit.
FLORIDA
FLORIDA SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY BRIDGE LOAN PROGRAM
Eligibility: For-profit SMBs in Florida with 2-100 employees. Previous bridge loans must have been repaid.
Amount: $50,000 or as much as $100,000 in special cases for COVID-19 affected small businesses.
Term: Interest-free for one year, after which interest rises to 12%
How To Apply: Apply online here. Be sure to include the required supporting documents.
ADDITIONAL LINKS AND RESOURCES
$100M in Business Grants From Facebook
9 Things to Know About The CARE Act
Have something to add? Email me and let me know what else you would like to see here at contact@hardycap.com.
Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.
Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.