PPP Reopens to New and Existing Borrowers

The Small Business Administration announced Friday that the Paycheck Protection Program will reopen Monday for new and existing PPP borrowers.

To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, and Second Draw PPP Loans Wednesday.

The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter, SBA said.

Updated PPP guidance outlining program changes was released Wednesday in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits and Venues Act.

“This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan,” the SBA explained.

Program updates, according to SBA, include:

• PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between eight and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
• PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
• The program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, direct marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
• The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
• Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
• Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.

A borrower, SBA said, is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:

• Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
• Has no more than 300 employees; and
• Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.

“The historically successful Paycheck Protection Program served as an economic lifeline to millions of small businesses and their employees when they needed it most,” said Administrator Jovita Carranza. “Today’s guidance builds on the success of the program and adapts to the changing needs of small business owners by providing targeted relief and a simpler forgiveness process to ensure their path to recovery.”

— Check out How to Get PPP Loan Forgiveness for Small-Business Clients Under the New Rules on ThinkAdvisor.