We hope that our tenants, their employees, and loved ones stay safe and remain in good health during these challenging times.
Over the past several weeks, federal and state agencies have recognized the enormous impacts the COVID-19 outbreak will continue to have on businesses across the nation. In response, they have introduced a range of programs designed to alleviate some of the most severe financial burdens presented by this unprecedented crisis. For your convenience, we have compiled relevant information on the pertinent federal and state programs available to businesses.
Updated 6/5/20
Federal Resources
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
Passed by Congress on March 27th, the CARES Act provided funding for several programs aimed at assisting small businesses. As of April 20th, the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Advance Loan (EIDL) Program established under the CARES Act is no longer taking applications. However, the SBA continues to make programs available to small businesses and more information can be found below.
SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Earlier this spring, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) as signed into law to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. Originally, the SBA promised to 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.
Signed into law on Friday, June 5, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act modified the existing PPP to provide additional time to qualify for forgiveness and eased the restrictions on how much of the forgivable portion of the loan proceeds must be used for payroll costs. Through this law, business owners have been offered increased flexibility in how they deploy the capital provided by the original PPP to better align with their business’ needs.
Specifically, the law expands the forgiveness period for PPP loans from roughly eight-weeks to the earlier of twenty-four weeks from the origination date of the loan and December 31, 2020. Additionally, the legislation requires only 60% of forgivable expenses be used towards payroll costs, as opposed to the original 75%. The law also clarifies a number of specific concerns raised following the passage of the original PPP.
The SBA Debt Relief program will provide a reprieve to small businesses as they overcome the challenges created by this health crisis.
Under this program:
- The SBA will also pay the principal and interest of new 7(a) loans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
- The SBA will pay the principal and interest of current 7(a) loans for a period of six months.
SBA Express Bridge Loan Program
The Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.
Terms:
- Up to $25,000
- Fast turnaround
- Will be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from the EIDL loan
The SBA is also offering counseling to small businesses to learn more about applicable programs and additional local programs.
New Jersey Resources
State of New Jersey’s COVID-19 FAQ for Businesses provides information on specific programs available to businesses in New Jersey during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Businesses interested in learning more about their specific eligibility for state programs can use New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) Emergency Assistance Eligibility Wizard. This screening tool lists emergency assistance programs that you may decide to consider based upon information you provide about your organization.
The tool screens for eligibility for the following state emergency support programs:
The Small Business Emergency Assistance Guarantee Program is New Jersey’s $10 million pilot program that makes available one-year first loss guarantees of permanent working capital loans and lines of credit originated by Premier Lender banks. These loans must be made to cover operating expenses for New Jersey small businesses and non-profit organizations that have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Bergen County’s COVID-19 landing page contains specific information on the County’s ongoing response to the crisis, testing updates, and important resources for businesses and residents.
We will continue to update this page as additional information becomes available. Please note that this list is not meant to be exhaustive and the information is from sources deemed reliable, but we take no responsibility for the accuracy of the information. For up to date information on program eligibility and terms, please review the websites we have linked to above. We make no representations as to any business’ eligibility for any of the programs listed above. To determine your eligibility, please contact the appropriate agency directly.