SBA to Make Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to U.S. Agricultural Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic
U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza announced that agricultural businesses are now eligible for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs. SBA’s EIDL portal has reopened as a result of funding authorized by Congress through the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act. The legislation, signed into law by the President one week ago, provided additional funding for farmers and ranchers and certain other agricultural businesses affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
|
The Paycheck Protection Program is still accepting loan applications for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Funding can be used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.
The SBA is hiring temporary employees to assist with disaster relief efforts during these unprecedented times. The positions include:
- Call Center Customer Service Representative
- Document Preparation/Legal Review/Loan Closings
- Loan Processing/Credit Analysis/Mortgage Underwriting
- Program Support
In response to COVID-19, the SBA HUBZone program is providing small businesses in historically under-utilized business zones more flexibility to comply with requirements.
Beware of Scams and Fraud Schemes
The Office of Inspector General recognizes that we are facing unprecedented times and is alerting the public about potential fraud schemes related to economic stimulus programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration in response to the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the largest financial assistance bill to date, includes provisions to help small businesses. Fraudsters have already begun targeting small business owners during these economically difficult times. Be on the lookout for grant fraud, loan fraud, and phishing.
|
COVID-19 Health Insurance Resources
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have published the following updated COVID-19 health insurance resources for businesses:
|
Federal Coronavirus Resources
State, local, and federal agencies are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Check out coronavirus.gov for updates from the White House's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Task Force. Go to cdc.gov for detailed information about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. |
Virtual Mentoring and Training
Offices around the country may be closed to the Coronavirus pandemic, but SCORE, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers and other resource partners are providing free business mentoring and training by phone, email, and video.
|
| 
