PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM: Are You Eligible?

You are eligible if you are:
• A small business with fewer than 500 employees
• A small business that otherwise meets the SBA’s size standard
• A 501(c)(3) with fewer than 500 employees
• An individual who operates as a sole proprietor
• An individual who operates as an independent contractor
• An individual who is self-employed who regularly carries on any trade or business
• A Tribal business concern that meets the SBA size standard
• A 501(c)(19) Veterans Organization that meets the SBA size standard

​In addition, some special rules may make you eligible:
• If you are in the accommodation and food services sector (NAICS 72), the 500-employee rule is applied on a per physical location basis
• If you are operating as a franchise or receive financial assistance from an approved Small Business Investment Company the normal affiliation rules do not apply

REMEMBER: The 500-employee threshold includes all employees: full-time, part-time, and any other status.

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About the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act 
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses.

Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward. The administration has released initial guidelines; they are available at www.treasury.gov.

Small businesses and sole proprietors can begin applying on  April 3.
Independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply beginning on April 10.

Source: U.S Chamber of Commerce Coronoavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide & Check List ​

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Additional Paycheck Protection Program Resources: 

• What will lenders be looking for? 
• How much can I BORROW? 
• Will this loan be FORGIVEN? 
• Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act 
• Delaware County Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Resource Page