COVID-19 Resources For Your Business

PPP LOAN FORGIVENESS

The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, posted a revised, borrower-friendly Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application implementing the PPP Flexibility Act of 2020. In addition to revising the full forgiveness application, SBA also published a new EZ version of the forgiveness application that applies to borrowers that:

• Are self-employed and have no employees; OR 
• Did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%, and did not reduce the number or hours of their employees; OR 
• Experienced reductions in business activity as a result of health directives related to COVID-19, and did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%. 

The EZ application requires fewer calculations and less documentation for eligible borrowers.  Details regarding the applicability of these provisions are available in the instructions to the new EZ application form. 

Both applications give borrowers the option of using the original 8-week covered period (if the loan was made before June 5, 2020) or an extended 24-week covered period.  These changes will result in a more efficient process and make it easier for businesses to realize full forgiveness of their PPP loan. 

• Click here to view the EZ Forgiveness Application - Form 3508EZ
• Click here to view the Full Forgiveness Application - Form 3508

PPP Forgiveness for Loans of $50,000 and Under Streamlined

On October 8, 2020, the SBA released a streamlined loan forgiveness application for PPP loans totaling $50,000 or less. The new, simplified Form 3508S includes certifications from the borrower but does not require calculations to be submitted with the application. Applicants still must submit documentation verifying forgivable payroll and non-payroll expenses. Borrowers are further required to retain the documentation supporting their certifications for six years, but do not need to submit it. 

A borrower that uses SBA Form 3508S is exempt from any reductions in the borrower’s loan forgiveness amount based on reductions in full-time equivalent (FTE) employees (section 1106(d)(2) of the CARES Act) or reductions in employee salary or wages (section 1106(d)(3) of the CARES Act) that would otherwise apply. 

Links to the form, instructions, as well as the interim final rule are included here:

• Form 3508S
• Instructions for Form 3508S
• Interim final rule

Additional tools you can use: 

• Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) PPP Forgiveness Q&A
• Bank First Forgiveness Application Guide
• SBA Frequently Asked Questions on PPP Loan Forgiveness (8/4/20)
• Bank First Loan Forgiveness Estimator (24 Week Covered Period)
• SBA Loan Review - Borrower and Lender Responsibilities
• Department of the Treasury - Loan Forgiveness Interim Final Rule

Thursday, September 3, Webinar

• Video: PPP Forgiveness_ What You Need to Know 3 PM
• Questions and Answers

There are several other loan programs available that your business may qualify for, if needed. Below is a brief outline of each program, along with a resource link for more information.

WISCONSIN'S "WE'RE ALL IN" SMALL BUSINESS GRANT OPPORTUNITY

On October 6, Governor Evers announced more than $100 million will be invested in Wisconsin small businesses and community venues; $50 million of which to be provided through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC’s) We’re All In Small Business Grant – Phase 2.

Applications will be accepted from Monday, October 19 to Monday, November 2, 2020. Bank First encourages businesses to learn more about Phase 2 of the grant program by visiting www.wedc.org.  

ADDITIONAL SBA LOAN ASSISTANCE OPTIONS

The Small Business Administration is offering additional loan options your business may qualify for, including:

EIDL LOAN ADVANCE PROGRAM.

• This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties. Learn More and determine if your business qualifies.

SBA EXPRESS BRIDGE LOANS.

• Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. Learn More and determine if your business qualifies.

SBA DEBT RELIEF.

• The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn More and determine if your business qualifies.

FEDERAL RESERVE LOAN PROGRAMS

The Federal Reserve established the Main Street Lending Program to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Program will operate through three facilities: the Main Street New Loan Facility (MSNLF), the Main Street Priority Loan Facility (MSPLF), and the Main Street Expanded Loan Facility (MSELF).

• Main Street New Loan Facility (MSNLF) Term Sheet (June 8, 2020)

• Main Street Priority Loan Facility (MSPLF) Term Sheet (June 8, 2020)

• Main Street Expanded Loan Facility (MSELF) Term Sheet (June 8, 2020)

Main Street Lending Program Frequently Asked Questions

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses, and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Learn more.

• Borrowers may receive a 180-day loan payment deferral without prior agency approval for Business and Industry Loan Guarantees, Rural Energy for America Program Loan Guarantees, Community Facilities Loan Guarantees, and Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees.

WWBIC COVID-19 FAST TRACK LOAN PROGRAM

WWBIC is a leading innovative statewide economic development corporation that’s been “Putting Dreams to Work” since 1987. The COVID-19 Fast Track Loan Program is focused on existing businesses looking for business financing during COVID-19. Business owners have two options from which to pick depending on their needs: a line of credit or a term loan. Learn more.

In addition to the aforementioned lending resources, Bank First may also be able to assist your business with other loan options. Please contact your Bank First relationship manager to discuss which options are the best fit for your individual business. As always, thank you for choosing Bank First!

Additional Resources:

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce Resources for Business
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance
• Sign up to receive SBA Updates
• Wisconsin Bankers Association - Summary of COVID-19 Lending Options
• IRS FAQs on Employee Retention Credit