To apply for the second round of PPP funding, click here. To learn about other flexible business financing options you may qualify for, click here.
As some cities and local economies across the U.S. reopen, but for many small businesses, the fight against the coronavirus is far from over. Even with strategic COVID-19 cash flow management techniques, most small businesses still require aid in the form of government funding.
Business owners will be glad to learn that congress recently approved a $284 billion renewal program for PPP funding. So, who can get a PPP loan?
The Paycheck Protection Program was rolled out by the federal government in early 2020 to help small businesses survive the pandemic with a full staff, preventing job loss and pay cuts. While many have received funding, others are still waiting. And some are looking for additional support.
Whether you’re applying for PPP funding for the first time or you’re looking to lock in a second draw—here’s what you need to know about who can get a PPP loan.
Congress has approved an additional round of PPP funding and with that comes extended support for small businesses. Businesses that didn’t receive funding from the first round are welcome to apply again.
New companies that never applied in the first place are also encouraged to apply. Businesses that already received PPP funding may qualify for a second draw – albeit under certain conditions.
Restaurants, hotels, and seasonal businesses could be eligible for additional benefits. This time around, they may qualify for a PPP loan up to 3.5 times the amount of one month of 2019 payroll expenses – instead of the standard multiplier of 2.5.
PPP loans are primarily meant for small businesses—not publicly traded companies. To that end, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has limited who can get a PPP loan to companies with 500 or fewer employees—or 300 employees for companies looking to secure a second draw.
There’s a line in the sand on what’s considered a small business for the purposes of the Paycheck Protection Program. The good news is that Congress has expanded the list of who qualifies for PPP funding this time around.
Businesses of all structures can qualify, including:
Beyond the structure of your business, you’ll need to provide a few important details in your application.
If you’re planning on applying for a second draw of funds, you’ll need to make sure that you have no more than 300 employees and have used up all your funds from the first round. You’ll also have to show that your business suffered a revenue loss of at least 25% in any quarter in 2020 compared with the same quarter in 2019.
Overall, the PPP loan program is designed for businesses that have suffered economically due to the coronavirus. You’ll have to certify in good faith that the coronavirus has affected your ability to generate revenue and pay employees, and possibly how.
If you meet the criteria and haven’t yet applied for a PPP loan, you should do so immediately. Congress has approved additional funds, and as of this writing, funding is still available.
Will PPP loans run out? As of now, experts are unsure—some have noticed that demand has decreased, while other businesses are still waiting for clarity about forgiveness terms to utilize their funds.
While the SBA has designed the guidelines to help the majority of small business owners, there are a few restrictions to who can get a PPP loan.
As mentioned above, companies that are publicly traded probably won’t make the cut. That’s because the government is reserving funds for small businesses that need it most.
Private equity firms, hedge funds, and publicly traded companies above a certain threshold generally won’t qualify. To help small businesses that need it most, some larger companies have given back funds.
Needless to say, businesses that operate illegally, or tend to be taboo in the eyes of lenders, may not get a PPP loan. This includes adult- and gambling-related businesses.
Business owners with delinquent child support payments or current bankruptcy proceedings may also encounter difficulties.
Companies looking for a second draw won’t qualify if they have more than 300 employees. They also won’t qualify if they’re unable to show 2020 quarterly losses of at least 25% compared to 2019.
1099 independent contractors and 1040 self-employed individuals may be eligible for PPP loans.
The same general guidelines apply to PPP loans given to 1099 independent contractors. The majority of expenses (60%) must be put toward payroll, and up to $100K annually is available. Some of the PPP loan can also be put toward other related expenses, such as business rent, mortgage payments, or other operating expenses. You must have been in business since February 15, 2020.
As an independent 1099 contractor, you’ll have to submit several 1099 forms to provide proof of your income. Self-employed business owners, on the other hand, must submit an IRS Schedule C with a form 1040.
For more information about how who can get a PPP loan and whether or not you qualify, be sure to consult a financial advisor or attorney.
Unlike most term loans, you can’t put the PPP loan toward any growth or survival-related expenses. The SBA has provided specific guidance about what the PPP loan can be used for.
As the primary purpose of this emergency funding is to help small businesses weather the storm and keep employees on staff, the majority of the loan, or 60% must be put toward payroll.
However, up to 40% of the funding can be put toward other expenses.
Between payroll and operating expenses, business owners can use the PPP loan to cover:
Before spending your PPP loan, be sure to confirm that you’re following these terms.
Will PPP loans be forgiven?
For businesses that follow the provided terms, the PPP loan is 100% forgivable. In a sense, this means it can be treated as a grant, rather than a loan.
However, PPP loan forgiveness isn’t a given. Small businesses that receive a PPP loan will not only need to follow the guidelines above, but also file a forgiveness application.
Spending more than 25% of the loan to cover expenses that aren’t related to payroll can reduce the forgiven amount.
As your small business moves forward, it’s important to make decisions that will help you in the long term.
If you haven’t yet applied for a PPP loan, be sure to do so through an SBA accredited lender. If you have applied, but haven’t yet received funding, inquire about the status of your application.
You can also apply for the PPP loan here.
 |
National Business Capital helps entrepreneurs secure quick and fair financing to save time and cultivate sustainable growth.
Our stress-free online platform is designed for simplicity and speed, helping business owners go from application to approval in a matter of hours. And while we remain a leader in the Fintech industry, our clients agree it’s our personalized service and award-winning team that sets us apart.
From SBA loans to lines of credit, to equipment financing, and more, business owners can access all the different financing programs available to them in one place. Through our streamlined process, we have helped clients secure $2 billion in financing since 2007, and, more importantly, we’ve helped entrepreneurs save a tremendous amount of time and grow faster.
Joseph Camberato, CEO of National Business Capital, developed a passion for business at a young age. Joe started his company in 2007 in his spare bedroom and has grown to secure over $1 Billion dollars in financing for small business owners nationwide. National’s team has an amazing culture and has been name the #1 Top Workplace on Long Island 3 years in a row and counting. Joe is a trusted financial expert who’s published more than 2,000 articles in the last 3 years. His articles have generated over 5 million page views and has been featured on blogs such as Google News, Yahoo, CNBC, Forbes Magazine, etc. His passion has also inspired him to build the "GrowByJoe” YouTube channel where he shares his insights into small business trends and tips for growth. Joe also holds a seat on Forbes Finance Council and is an active member of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO), a global leadership community.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/growbyjoe/
