FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Florida SBDC at Florida Gulf Coast Unveristy will strive to provide the most current and helpful information for small businesses to help you make decisions during the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic. If you need additional information or have questions please feel free to contact us at sbdc@fgcu.edu or (239) 745-3700.
HOW DO I GET FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR MY BUSINESS?
Posted February 18, 2021
Here’s a great resource breaking down each type of loan and who qualifies developed by America’s SBDC.
As of January 1, 2022, we are not able to accept applications for new COVID EIDL loans or advances.
The deadline to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for the COVID-19 Pandemic disaster declaration is extended to Dec. 31, 2021.
SBA is currently accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications from all qualified small businesses, including agricultural businesses, and private nonprofit organizations.
If you have already applied via the streamlined application portal, please do not resubmit your application.
Small businesses are now eligible to apply for Federal Disaster Loans for economic damage. To begin the application process please use the link below:
https://covid19relief.sba.gov
Click Here for a video overview and walk through of of the streamlined online application see our FAQ on getting assistance below.
A few things to keep in mind about these emergency loans:
- This is a business loan, not a grant, for businesses that are directly impacted by COVID-19.
- The loan is from the SBA directly, it does not need to go through a bank.
- You do NOT need to be rejected by a commercial bank before applying for an SBA EID Loan.
- Please be patient as the SBA will be fielding many calls.
- Review the entire application before submitting to make sure you’re not missing any information that might slow down the approval process.
- If you are not able to process a loan online for some reason there is an option to file a paper application. Contact the Florida SBDC at Florida Gulf Coast University at sbdc@fgcu.edu or (239) 745-3700 if that is your situation for assistance.
In order to be prepared for the application process, you will want to gather documentation in advance. You will also need to have access to a scanner so you can download, sign and upload documents needed for the application.
Please also note the following as you navigate the loan application process online:
- The SBA site is experiencing high volumes of traffic and the site might be slow. Try accessing during non-peak hours, 7pm-7am EDT.
- Some users are experiencing issues using Chrome. Please use an alternate browser – like Edge or Internet Explorer.
- As you go through the application process, SAVE early and often to ensure you don’t lose work.
The following is a list of some important documents you will need to have access to for the application process:
- Contact information and social security numbers for all applicants.
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) for business applicants.
- Financial information (e.g. income, account balances and monthly expenses for the business).
- Owner financial information (personal financial statements for owners of 20% or more).
- Past 3 years of Federal Business Tax Returns (1 year minimum for newer businesses).
- Past 3 years of Federal Personal Tax Returns for owners of 20% or more (1 year minimum).
- Deed or lease information for any property (business and personal).
- Business Insurance information.
- Articles of Incorporation, Certificate of Good Standing, etc.
The following list of Federal forms will be required to apply:
- Loan application (SBA Form 5), completed and signed (this is electronic/online in the portal). To see what the form looks like, an example can be found here.
- Tax Information Authorization (IRS Form 4506-T), completed and signed by each applicant, each principal owning 20 percent or more of the applicant business, each general partner or managing member; and, for any owner who has more than 50 percent ownership in an affiliate business. Affiliates include, but are not limited to, business parents, subsidiaries, and/or other businesses with common ownership or management.
- Complete copies, including all schedules, of the most recently filed Federal income tax returns for the applicant business; an explanation if not available
- Personal Financial Statement (SBA Form 413) completed, signed, and dated by the applicant, each principal owning 20 percent or more of the applicant business, and each general partner or managing member
- Schedule of Liabilities listing all fixed debts (SBA Form 2202may be used)
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339.
If you have questions or need help preparing your application contact the Loudoun SBDC for assistance:
Call our office at (239) 745-3700 or email our staff at sbdc@fgcu.edu
Yes! The Florida Gulf Coast University SBDC has consultants that can help you with loan package preparation. If you have questions about the process or need assistance in gathering information or filling out application forms contact us and we will get you connected with a coach as soon as possible. NOTE: All consulting through the SBDC at FGCU is no-cost.
If you would like assistance with the EIDL process please continue reading If you are not currently an SBDC client please CLICK HERE to submit a request for an appointment. We will contact you about setting up a session with a coach.
If you are already an SBDC client please, email us at sbdc@fgcu.edu or call us at (239)-745-3700 and we will assist you in setting up an appointment with a coach (if you are unsure whether you’re a current client or not contact us by email or by telephone).
*We are experiencing a large number of requests due to the COVID-19 outbreak. We will get to your email or call as quickly as we can. We ask for your patience as we work to help everyone who needs assistance.
This video can also serve as a guide to walk you through the application process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rws1QtuyW_g
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. A Spanish-language version of the SBA website is also available at https://www.sba.gov/espanol/. The Service Center is open 7 days a week from 7:00am to 9:00pm.
Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call SBA’s Customer Service Center via the Federal Relay Line by calling (800) 877-8339. You may also email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. The Service Center is open 7 days a week from 7:00am to 9:00pm.
As of January 1, 2022, we are not able to accept applications for new COVID EIDL loans or advances.
SBA is currently accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications from all qualified small businesses, including agricultural businesses, and private nonprofit organizations.
If you have already applied via the streamlined application portal, please do not resubmit your application.
Frequently Asked Questions about EIDL Loans
The CARES Act expands eligibility for the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs).
These changes include:
- EIDLs are now also available to Tribal businesses, cooperatives, non-profits, and individuals operating as sole proprietors or independent contractors.
- EIDLs can be approved by the SBA based solely on an applicant’s credit score.
- EIDLs that are smaller than $200,000 can be approved without a personal guarantee.
- Borrowers can receive a $10,000 emergency grant cash advance that can be forgiven if spent on paid leave, maintaining payroll, increased costs due to supply chain disruption, mortgage or lease payments or repaying obligations that cannot be met due to revenue losses.
WHAT OTHER FINANCIAL RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE FOR MY BUSINESS?
Updated April 17, 2020
This loan program has been closed as of April 16, 2020
Posted April 4, 2020
Yes, as long as they don’t pay for the same expenses.
Consider this scenario of a recipient who has an EIDL and a PPP loan.
If your EIDL loan was not used for payroll costs, it does not affect your eligibility for a PPP loan. If your EIDL loan was used for payroll costs, your PPP loan must be used to refinance your EIDL loan. Proceeds from any advance up to $10,000 on the EIDL loan will be deducted from the loan forgiveness amount on the PPP loan.
Notice: The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ended on May 31, 2021. Existing borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.
Updated April 17, 2020: This loan program has been closed as of April 16, 2020
Posted on April 2, 2020
Find a list of SWFL and State of Florida lenders for the Paycheck Protection Program Florida Lenders- For PPP
Updated April 17, 2020
This loan program has been closed as of April 16, 2020
Posted March 27, 2020
The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Treasury have begun releasing the information that will guide the programs created through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
To stay up to date on the implementation of these programs, please visit the following websites:
- SBA – here you will find information on all COVID-19 related programs that SBA is providing, including the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Emergency Grants, and Small Business Debt Relief.
- Department of Treasury – here you will find information on the Paycheck Protection Program, as well as other tax provisions meant to help employers, including non-profits.
To help small business owners and entrepreneurs better understand the new programs that will soon be available to them, we have created a comprehensive guide to many of the small business provisions in the CARES Act that was passed by Congress on March 27. These programs and initiatives are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now.
While these programs are being implemented, you may continue to use this guide as a source of information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the SBA and Treasury. Once complete guidance has been announced for all of the programs, we will update the guide to reflect that guidance.
Download the guide here.
Notice: The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ended on May 31, 2021. Existing borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.
Updated March 1, 2021
On Monday, February 22, President Biden announced the following changes to SBA’s coronavirus relief programs to ensure equity:
Specifically, on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 9 am ET, SBA will establish a 14-day, exclusive PPP loan application period for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees. This will give lenders and community partners more time to work with the smallest businesses to submit their applications, while also ensuring that larger PPP-eligible businesses will still have plenty of time to apply for and receive support before the program expires on March 31, 2021.
SBA also announced four additional changes to open the PPP to more underserved small businesses than ever before. While these changes are being implemented, SBA will work with community partners to improve the emergency relief “digital front door” and conduct extensive stakeholder outreach. And, SBA will strengthen its relationships with lender partners to advance equity goals, deliver funding efficiently, and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. SBA will:
- Allow sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals to receive more financial support by revising the PPP’s funding formula for these categories of applicants;
- Eliminate an exclusionary restriction on PPP access for small business owners with prior non-fraud felony convictions, consistent with a bipartisan congressional proposal;
- Eliminate PPP access restrictions on small business owners who have struggled to make student loan payments by eliminating student loan debt delinquency as a disqualifier to participating in the PPP; and
- Ensure access for non-citizen small business owners who are lawful U.S. residents by clarifying that they may use Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for the PPP.
Posted March 31, 2020
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan
Passed by Congress, and signed by the President, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act established the new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for eligible small businesses.
Unlike existing federal business disaster loans currently available through the SBA, the Paycheck Protection Program Loans may be, in whole or in part, forgiven, i.e. not required to be repaid, if used loan proceeds are used for specific purposes. It is important that borrowers clearly understand how and when loan proceeds can be used to maximize the amount of loan forgiveness. See the FAQs for more information.
Loan Application Process
Step 1. DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible, the small business must:
- have been actively operating on February 15, 2020, and
- meet the federal small business size standards. To determine, you can access SBA’s Small Business Size Standards Guide.*
* Sole proprietors, independent contractors, gig economy workers, or self-employed individuals are eligible.
* The CARES Act also waives the strict SBA affiliation rules for this new loan for: (i) businesses with no more than 500 employees that is assigned a NAICS code beginning with 72; (ii) businesses operating as a franchise that is assigned a franchise identifier code by the SBA; and (iii) businesses that receive financial assistance from a company licensed under section 301 of the Small Business Investment Act. Businesses not provided a waiver to the SBA affiliation rules by the CARES Act would need to determine if a waiver under existing law applies.
If you are eligible, continue to Step 2.
Step 2. GATHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Generally, the documents needed to support your application will include:
- 3 Previous Years Business Tax Returns (Signed and Dated)
- 3 Previous Years Personal Tax Returns (Signed and Dated)
- Payroll information: IRS Forms 940, 941, W-3 or 1099 (If you have independent contractors), and/or PEO Detailed Payroll Summary Report
*If you are a business where employees get tips and they include in their tips in their W-2’s, copies of those W-2’s - 2019 Interim Financial Statements (only if you have not filed your 2019 tax return)
- 2020 Interim Financial Statements (January 2020 – February 2020)
- Business Property Mortgage Statement or Lease Agreement
- Business Property Utility Bills
- SBA Personal Financial Statement
- Actual application (see #3)
One of the requirements is that the employees must live in the US to be counted toward the payroll expense. I believe there will be a certification that the business owner will need to sign certifying that their employees live in the U.S.
Contact the lending institution you are using to apply for the loan (see Step 3) to determine the documents that you will be required to gather.
Step 3. APPLY
You can apply for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan at any lending institution that is approved to participate in the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) lending program. Additional lenders and non-traditional lenders will be approved by the Department of Treasury. This could be the bank you already use, or a nearby bank.
We recommend that your contract your primary business banker. If you banker does not participate in the program, they can refer to you to a local participating bank. You may also find SBA-approved lenders in your area through SBA’s online Lender Match Tool.
For more information about the U.S. SBA PPP program, click here.
Updated April 24, 2020
Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund
The Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund provides financing to assist businesses with resiliency efforts. The funds will address the current gap in available, affordable capital for businesses that can be used for inventory purchases, construction, working capital, equipment financing and more.For more information, visit www.floridajobsresources.com.
Updated April 24, 2020
Florida Small Business Loan Program
The Florida Small Business Loan Program is available to qualified businesses that demonstrate adequate historical and/or proposed cash flow coverage and other credit underwriting metrics. The loan proceeds must be used for a business purpose, which includes, but is not limited to: startup costs, working capital, business procurement, franchise fees, equipment, inventory, as well as the purchase, construction renovation or tenant improvements of an eligible place of business that is not for passive real estate investment purposes. Loan amounts range from $250,000 to $5,000,000.For more information, visit www.floridajobsresources.com.
Updated April 24, 2020
Black Business Loan Program
The Black Business Loan program (BBLP) offers alternative lending solutions to Florida-based black owned small businesses by providing short-term loans and technical assistance.For more information, visit www.floridajobsresources.com.
Updated April 24, 2020
Microfinance Guarantee Program
The Microfinance Guarantee Program is available to stimulate access to credit for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Florida by providing targeted guarantees to loans made to such entrepreneurs and small businesses. Funds appropriated to the program must be reinvested and maintained as a long-term and stable source of funding for the program. For more information, visit www.floridajobsresources.com.
Updated May 28, 2021
SBA COVID-19 Relief Options
The SBA has several Covid-19 relief options for small businesses. Below is a summary of the different funding options and how they interact with each other.
Notice: SVOG is no longer accepting new applications
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG)
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) to provide a critical lifeline for the nation’s shuttered venue operators, including art venues and movie theaters.
Note: The SBA reopened the application portal for the SVOG on Monday, April 26 at 12pm ET.
Verify your eligibility here
https://floridasbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SVOG-Eligibility-Requirements-508.pdf
Notice: The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ended on May 31, 2021. Existing borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.
Updated May 28, 2021
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
The PPP is intended to primarily cover payroll costs for employees. These are forgivable loans to small businesses to retain workers, maintain payroll, and cover other obligations.
PPP Application Filing Deadline: May 31, 2021
As of January 1, 2022, we are not able to accept applications for new COVID EIDL loans or advances.
Updated May 28, 2021
Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Targeted EIDL Advance
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is designed to provide economic relief to small businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue due to COVID-19. Targeted EIDL Advances provide businesses located in low-income communities with additional funds to ensure small business continuity, adaptation, and resiliency.
Applicants may continue to request additional funds even after the application deadline of December 31, 2021.
Applications are now closed.
Updated May 28, 2021
Restaurant Revitalization Fund
The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) application portal will open on Monday, May 3, 2021 at: https://restaurants.sba.gov/requests/borrower/login/?next=/%3Fnext%3D/. An initial 21-day application period will be reserved for priority groups. For more information, visit: www.FloridaSBDC.org/RRF.
Note: Registration for the RRF is now closed.
WHAT SHOULD I BE COMMUNICATING DURING THE CRISIS?
How do I communicate with my employees? My customers? My vendors?
- During a crisis, it is important to keep messages concise and brief as possible while still sharing important info. Here are four steps to effectively communicate during a crisis:
- Gather the Facts. Understand the situation, its components, results and future implications as much as possible.
- Tell the Truth.
- Plan Your Communications.
- Build Communication Skill.
We at the SBDC at FGCU have put together a quick sheet you can use to prepare your communications. It covers the What (what do I need to communicate), Who (who do I need to communicate with – customers, employees, vendors, etc.) and How (how do I need to communicate – email, social media, website post, etc.). You can use this sheet to plan your communication and also keep track of what you are communicating and to which audience.
Download a Crisis Communications Planning Form
When you communicate, make sure you convey the following:
- We’re Aware – share that you are aware of what is going on and are continuing to monitor the situation as you make decisions for your business.
- We Care – show that you are thinking about the greater good of your employees, partners, and customers through all your decisions.
- We’re Here – communicate how your business is still running and how individuals can continue to work with you whether they are employees, partners, or customers.
Everyone is receiving numerous communications through email, social media, etc. so make sure to only communicate when you truly have something new to share.
IS THERE OTHER INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW?
FAQs on Claims Related to Coronavirus from the following site:
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROCEDURES IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19
Q: When should I file a claim for unemployment compensation benefits?
A: You should file your claim on-line, information may be found here.
Q: How soon before I can expect a benefit payment?
Response to Covid-19 is rapidly changing from day to day across the and the Nation. Please check our Website regularly for updates on any changes that may occur in how claims are being processed in Virginia.
There are many partners working to provide information, guidance and resources during this crisis.
Here are some links to some valuable sites that we hope help:
Posted April 3, 2020
Many business owners have questions about the shelter-in-place order. A FAQ list of essential services and activities has been compiled by the Governor’s Office. Read it here:
https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/covid19/Exec%20Order%2020-91%20FAQs.pdf
WHAT PAPERWORK IS REQUIRED FOR THE DIFFERENT LOAN PROGRAMS?
Updated April 17, 2020
This loan program has been closed as of April 16, 2020
Updated March 31, 2020
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. Small businesses and sole proprietors can apply today, April 3. Independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply starting April 10.
- SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020.
Overview of Paycheck Protection Program and Sample Paperwork
PAST TRAINING EVENTS AND WEBINARS TO HELP BUSINESSES SUCCEED DURING COVID-19
It’s not too late to take proactive steps to protect your business, employees, and customers. Many small business owners are wondering, “What do I do now?” We’ve got 5 actionable tips and techniques to share with you that can help protect your small business. Presenter: Consultant, Amanda Stirn: Quickbooks Expert
CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW:
- Effects on your existing contracts
- New opportunities as a result of this crisis
- FEMA
- HUBZone Update
- DoD Update
- Florida Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) Update
CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW:
WHERE DO I GET INFORMATION ON COVID-19?
What you need to know about COVID-19
The above video is from Dr. Lisa Park, executive director of Mason’s Student Health Services, who answers questions about coronavirus/COVID-19
As the outbreak continues there are many sources of information that may be helpful to assist you in making decisions for your business. The following are some sources we recommend:
https://www.leegov.com/covid-19/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/getting-workplace-ready-for-covid-19.pdf
https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/
We will share other sites and information as they become available.
The best and quickest way to receive individual assistance is to schedule a consulting session.
If you are not already an SBDC client please use the button below to get set up in our system. NOTE: All coaching through the SBDC FGCU is free of charge.
Once you’re set up we will be in touch about scheduling an appointment with an advisor or other appropriate services. If you have visited the SBDC in the past and are unsure of your client status please contact us and we will assist you.
By email: sbdc@fgcu.edu or by phone: (239)745-3700
REGISTER AS AN SBDC CLIENT
We look forward to working with you as you start and grow your business.