The Biden administration has announced some tweaks to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) meant to boost access to the forgivable loans for mom-and-pop businesses.
The Small Business Administration will soon accept applications for PPP loans exclusively from businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees, for a period of 14 days. The SBA says that the share of the program's funding going to businesses with fewer than 10 employees is up nearly 60% when compared with the same point in the program last year. But the Biden administration wants to further target the PPP to the smallest businesses. The 14-day period will start on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at 9:00 am.
The SBA will also allow sole proprietors, independent contractors and self-employed individuals to receive more financial support. These types of businesses, which include home repair contractors and small independent retailers, make up a significant share of all businesses. The SBA will revise the PPP's calculation formula for these applicants so that it offers more relief.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The SBA is eliminating the restriction that prevents small-business owners who are delinquent on their federal student loans from getting a PPP loan. Currently, the PPP is not available to any business with at least 20% ownership by an individual who is currently delinquent or has defaulted within the past seven years on a federal debt, including a student loan.
The agency will also eliminate the restriction that disqualifies small-business owners with prior non-fraud felony convictions from getting a PPP loan – a move with broad bipartisan support. The SBA has also clarified that small-business owners who are not U.S. citizens, but are lawful U.S. residents, may use their Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to apply for a loan. These changes will be implemented by the first week of March.
Congress provided $284 billion for the latest round of PPP loans under the coronavirus relief package passed in December. As of February 18, less than half of those funds have been used.
-
Higher Social Security Payments? The CPI-E Could Make it HappenSome lawmakers have called for it to be used to determine COLA for Social Security payments, but would it make much of a difference?
-
Stocks Close Mixed to Start Fed Week: Stock Market TodayNews of an EU-U.S. trade deal was met with muted reaction from market participants who are looking ahead to a jam-packed week.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
-
How to Search For Foreclosures Near You: Best Websites for ListingsMaking Your Money Last Searching for a foreclosed home? These top-rated foreclosure websites — including free, paid and government options — can help you find listings near you.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day? Everything We Know, Plus the Best Deals on Apple, Samsung and MoreAmazon Prime Amazon Prime Day is four days this year. Here are the key details you need to know, plus some of our favorite deals to shop during the sale.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
