I’ve heard from many small business owners across Eastern Washington that are struggling with the impacts of coronavirus. Phase 3 of the coronavirus relief package, the CARES Act, was signed into law by President Trump on Friday, March 27th. If coronavirus is significantly impacting your business, you should consider applying for some of the following assistance. 

Phase 3 included $350 billion in federally guaranteed Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loans to businesses with under 500 employees and some franchises. This bill provides more cash flow to businesses and incentives to keep employees on payroll. Loans through the Paycheck Protection Program are 100 percent federally guaranteed loans and will be forgiven for employers who maintain their payroll during this emergency. 

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U.S. Chamber of Commerce Phase 3 Guide

View the guide

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Senate Small Business Committee FAQs

View the Paycheck Protection Program FAQs for Small Businesses

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Senate Small Business Committee Deep Dive Guide

View the guide

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U.S. Treasury Department Fact Sheet for Borrowers

View the PPP Borrower Information Fact Sheet

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I also encourage you to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Grant. These grants provide an emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses and private non-profits harmed by COVID-19 within three days of applying for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). To access the advance, you first apply for an EIDL and then request the advance. The advance does not need to be repaid under any circumstance, and may be used to keep employees on payroll, to pay for sick leave, meet increased production costs due to supply chain disruptions, or pay business obligations, including debts, rent and mortgage payments. You can apply here: Disaster Loan Applications. 

If you have further questions, Joel Nania is the manager of the SBA’s office in Spokane. You can call him at (509) 353-2810 or reach him by email at joel.nania@sba.gov. 

You may also find some of these resources helpful.
SBA Coronavirus Homepage 
SBA COVID Disaster Guidance 
Washington State Small Business Guidance 
Washington Small Business Development Center Webinars on Coronavirus 

Please stay in touch with me. I know this is a very anxious time. This package is not the first response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it will not be the last.  A top priority for me is to keep you informed as the federal government works to support the local and state–led response. 

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit my Phase 3 webpage, which can be found at  McMorris.House.Gov/coronavirus3.