HERE TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES

Dear Small Business, Friends and Partners, 

In response to the COVID-19 National Emergency, the SBA Express Bridge Loan (EBL) Pilot Program has been modified and the term extended. The EBL Pilot Program is designed to supplement the Agency’s direct disaster loan capabilities and authorizes SBA Express Lenders to provide expedited SBA-guaranteed bridge loan financing on an emergency basis in amounts up to $25,000 for disaster-related purposes to small businesses located in communities affected by Presidentially-declared disasters while those small businesses apply for and await long-term financing (including through SBA’s direct Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, if eligible).

The general eligibility requirements for the EBL are as follows:

• For small businesses with an existing banking relationship with SBA Express lenders as of the date of the disaster.  Check Lender List
• Effective March 25, 2020, (announcement by publication of a notice in the Federal Register will follow), SBA expanded program eligibility to include small businesses nationwide adversely impacted under the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Emergency Declaration issued by President Trump on March 13, 2020 (“COVID-19 Emergency Declaration”).
• EBL loans can only be made by SBA Express Lenders that had a valid Supplemental Loan Guaranty Agreement SBA Express Program in effect as of the date of the applicable disaster;
• EBL loans can only be made up to six months after the date of an applicable Presidential Disaster Declaration, however for the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, EBL loans can be approved through March 13, 2021.
• The Lender must have an existing banking relationship with the EBL applicant as of the date of the applicable disaster in order to help mitigate the risks associated with the streamlined underwriting process under the EBL Pilot Program.
• The small business must have been operational when the declared disaster commenced and must meet all other 7(a) loan eligibility requirements (credit elsewhere, size, etc.);
• All EBL applications will begin with a screening for a FICO Small Business Scoring Service Score (SBSS Score) - The minimum acceptable SBSS Score for an EBL loan applicant is 130
• Lender must obtain a personal credit score for each guarantor. The personal credit score(s) must be satisfactory under the Lender’s standards for its similarly-sized, non-SBA guaranteed commercial loans.
• The EBL loan must be structured as term loans not to exceed 7 years (revolving lines of credit are not permitted).
• The EBL Pilot Program follows the SBA Express interest rate policy, and SBA guaranty percentage is limited to the maximum guaranty percentage of 50% for SBA Express loans.
• EBL loans cannot be sold in SBA’s secondary market, they’re subject to the same upfront guaranty fees required for 7(a) loans of similar size and maturity
• Because the maximum amount of an EBL loan is $25,000, SBA Express Lenders are not required to take collateral for EBL loans
• Lenders may charge an EBL applicant an application fee of 2 % of the loan amount or $250,whichever is greater.
• Prior to any disbursement of EBL loan proceeds, Lender must submit a signed IRS Form 4506-T to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and obtain an IRS tax transcript for the EBL applicant business for the purpose of verifying the existence of the business as of the date the applicable disaster commenced and confirming that the EBL applicant has filed required tax returns

For more information on the EBL Program and eligibility requirements, please review the Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program Guide and feel free to contact our lender relations team with any questions.

Best, Ili Spahiu Assistant District Director for Lender Relations Massachusetts District Office U.S. Small Business Administration Office: (617) 565-5569 Cell: (617) 763-8833 Fax: (202) 481-0680 ili.spahiu@sba.gov

Additional Links and Resources:

If you are ready to apply online and just need an aid to walk you through the questions, please review the STEP-BY-STEP PDF and the RECORDED WEBINAR below...

PDF: Economic Injury Disaster Loan STEP-BY-STEP Application Overview

RECORDED WEBINAR: SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Overview

Handout: SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus

Handout: Asistencia de Desastre de la SBA en Respuesta al Coronavirus

RESOURCE PARTNERS

Center for Women and Enterprise is open virtually!

How are you being impacted and what do you need?

CWE is doing a SURVEY to understand our local small businesses. 

Please FILL OUT THE SURVEY and let them know how your business is being impacted by the current pandemic.  Share what issues you are facing, questions you are having and resources you need.

CWE will mobilize the network of small business expert friends to help you address specific challenges you may be having in your business in the coming weeks. 

WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS! Staff are working remotely and can be reached via email or telephone. MSBDC is committed to supporting entrepreneurs during these very challenging times.

MSBDC advisors can assist businesses with disaster loan applications.

If you are not currently a client and would like to speak with a counselor, please find your region and reach out to the REGIONAL OFFICE SERVING YOU.

Berkshire Regional Office
33 Dunham Mall, Suite 103
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-499-0933 | Fax: 413-499-3005
www.msbdc.org/berkshire

Central Regional Office
Clark University
The Carriage House, 125 Woodland Street
Worcester, MA 01610
508-793-7615 | Fax: 508-793-8890
www.clarku.edu/offices/sbdc

Government Sales Advisory Program / SBIR
Central Massachusetts: 508-870-3193
www.msbdc.org/gs

Southeastern Massachusetts: 774-203-9972
www.msbdc.org/sbir

Northeast Regional Office
Salem State University
121 Loring Avenue, Suite 310
Salem, MA 01970
978-542-6343 | Fax: 978-542-6345
www.salemstate.edu/sbdc

Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Scibelli Enterprise Center
1 Federal Street, Building 1
Springfield, MA 01105
413-545-6303 | Fax: 413-737-2312
https://www.massptac.org

Southeast Regional Office
200 Pocasset Street
Fall River, MA 02721
508-673-9783 | Fax: 508-674-1929
www.msbdc.org/semass

Western Regional Office
Scibelli Enterprise Center
One Federal Street, Building 101
Springfield, MA 01105-1160
413-577-1768 | Fax: 413-737-2312
www.msbdc.org/wmass

(IF ANY CONTACTS IN THIS EMAIL DO NOT WORK, PLEASE REACH OUT TO NORM AND LET US KNOW!!     Email: norman.eng@sba.gov)  

FIND APPOINTMENT NOW

Counseling Sessions with BOSTON SCORE CHAPTER:
If you want to speak with a counselor, SCORE is doing tele-consults. Just pick a date and time to schedule a session and enter your contact info, they are doing sessions by phone and Zoom video app. 

Reach out to other SCORE CHAPTERS throughout the state below.

SCORE Boston Chapter

SCORE Worcester Chapter

SCORE Northeastern Massachusetts Chapter

SCORE Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter

SCORE Western Massachusetts Chapter

SCORE Cape Cod Chapter

SCORE Rhode Island (Serving Fall River, New Bedford)

UPCOMING WEBINARS

Thursday  3/26/20  at 2pm 
Keep Your Clients Virtually Engaged in the Midst of the Pandemic 

Friday  3/27/20 at 1pm
Managing Your Cash During the Coronavirus Emergency

Monday  3/30/20 at 3pm
Coronavirus - What Employers and Employees Need to Know

Tuesday  3/31/20 at 10am
So, You Want to Become a Consultant

Thursday  4/2/20 at 10am
6 Essential Steps to Create An eBook to Market Your Business

Thursday  4/16/20 at 10am
Intellectual Property for Small Businesses

Wednesday  4/29/20 at 10am
Funding Options - What to consider and Where to Find It.

Coronavirus Special Topic Conference Call Series

WEBINAR with Initiative for a Competitive Inner City: COVID-19 Resources and Updates for Small Businesses

Thursday March 26 3PM and 4:30PM

ICIC will be hosting a national webinar with Dan Martiniello, Lender Relations Specialist, Massachusetts District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration that will also include the Small Business Majority, Accion, and the Opportunity Fund. Webinar will cover updates and resources related to COVID-19 and policy recommendations to bolster small business owners right now.

REGISTER FOR 3:00PM WEBINAR

REGISTER FOR 4:30PM WEBINAR

There will be hosting two sessions on Thursday, one at 3:00pm EST and another at 4:30pm EST. You can register for the 3pm session here, and the 4:30pm session here.

Topics of discussion will include:

• SBA Disaster Assistance Loans and other small business funding updates for businesses being impacted by COVID-19
• Availability of emergency business funding sources, including city grants, CDFIs, reputable online lenders, and crowdfunding
• How to avoid predatory lenders using the Small Business Borrowers' Bill of Rights
• Updates on federal policy proposals and our recommendations to immediately help small businesses
• Venturize and other helpful tools and resources
• Q&A

WEBINAR with Center for Women & Enterprise

Mon, Mar 30, 2020 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EDT

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Overview
Lisa Gonzalez Welch and Carlos Hernandez from the Massachusetts District Office will join with CWE to help small businesses understand the resources available and navigate the process of submitting a disaster loan application.  

1. Click the link to join the webinar at the specified time and date:

Mon, Mar 30, 2020 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EDT

Join Webinar

Before joining, be sure to check system requirements to avoid any connection issues.Note: This link should not be shared with others; it is unique to you.

2. Choose one of the following audio options:

TO USE YOUR COMPUTER'S AUDIO: When the webinar begins, you will be connected to audio using your computer's microphone and speakers (VoIP). A headset is recommended.

--OR--

TO USE YOUR TELEPHONE: If you prefer to use your phone, you must select "Use Telephone" after joining the webinar and call in using the numbers below. United States: +1 (914) 614-3221 Access Code: 454-357-669 Audio PIN: Shown after joining the webinar

Retailers Association of Massachusetts Webinar: What Massachusetts Retailers Need to Know about Employment Law and COVID19

Sign up for Webinar

Thursday, March 26th at 11:00 AM EST

Attorney Joshua Nadreau from Fisher Phillips’ Boston office to discuss what Massachusetts retailers need to know in the ever-changing legal landscape surrounding employers’ responses to COVID-19.

Topics will include the following:
• COVID-19 workplace issues, including health and safety, employee privacy, remote workers, discrimination/harassment, and workers’ compensation
• Employees leaves, including the recently-enacted Families First Coronavirus Response Act
• Layoffs and Furloughs – what is the difference and how do they impact wage-and-hour, unemployment eligibility, and health insurance?
• Suspending Operations, WARN Act, Government-ordered shut-downs and other considerations

ON-DEMAND INFORMATION

RECORDED INTERVIEW: Bob Nelson on North Shore Conversations

Listen to District Director Robert Nelson on a recorded podcast with Laura Swanson Executive Director at the Enterprise Center at Salem State University talk about statewide activation of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

LISTEN HERE

RECORDED WEBINAR: How to Apply - SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Overview

View On-Demand

Boston SCORE:  Coronavirus – What Employers and Employees Need to Know

View On-Demand

Topics will include:

Most recent legislative updates and the impact on your business
What to do should you face a temporary closure or reduction in staff
Understanding Sick Time, Vacation/PTO and FMLA – what to offer and when
Employee Health Guidelines – what to do should an employee disclose exposure to the virus or become symptomatic

(Presented by Boston SCORE Chapter)

MEDIA COVERAGE

• Boston Business Journal: SBA loans leave financing gap for COVID-battered businesses
• Bloomberg: Stay-Home Decrees Crush Small Business, Erasing Millions of Jobs
• NBC 10 Boston: Mass. Small Businesses Getting Creative With Ways to Stay Afloat

*REMINDER*

All Massachusetts non-essential businesses are to cease in-person operations for until April 7.

Examples of essential business types include:

• Grocery / Convenience / Bodegas
• Pharmacies
• Laundromats / laundry services
• Gas Stations
• Automotive Repair
• Moving & Storage
• Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, inspectors and other providing emergency services
• Food Businesses including restaurants and food trucks

The state also issued guidelines to limit gatherings to 10 people during the state of emergency, a reduction from the 25 person limit established in an earlier order. Please consider using tape or something similar to mark 6 feet between customers in line (both to enter and to pay). Click here for a copy of the Emergency Order and click here for a copy of the Guidance of Assemblages.

OTHER RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

• City offers $10K grants to Worcester businesses amid coronavirus impact
• GWCF creates $535K coronavirus response fund
• Worcester chamber extends services to all businesses
• Massachusetts announces small business tax relief
• The U.S. Chamber has resources available to inform and equip businesses with the most important and up-to-date information to prevent the spread of the virus and prepare businesses for the near and long-term impact.
• The Greg Hill Foundation has teamed up with Samuel Adams to support those from the Massachusetts restaurant industry who have been impacted by the COVID-19 closures.
• Rally for Restaurants is encouraging consumers to buy gift cards for local restaurants during the pandemic and they will donate $1 to organizations supporting the community through Toast.org.
• The Boston Center for the Arts has partnered with the City of Boston to create a COVID-19 Artist Relief Fund to help artists impacted by pandemic.
• The Boston Music Maker Relief Fund provides financial relief to music makers in the Boston area affected by lost revenue from gig cancellations resulting from public health concerns related to coronavirus.
• Boston Singers' Relief Fund is offering emergency relief for singers with gigs cancelled due to COVID-19.
• Loans of up to $20,000 are available to small businesses reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, according to the North Central Massachusetts Development Corp.
• The COVID-19 Response Fund is being set up to provide flexible resources to nonprofits serving those who have been affected financially by the pandemic in the Pioneer Valley.
• For parents caring for children at home, the Boston Children’s Museum is offering free online resources for parents and caregivers to use at home during this time of social distancing. And the New England Aquarium also has online programming, and recently did a live-streamed feeding of Myrtle the Turtle.
• The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network has compiled a list of resources, policy updates, and philanthropy/government-led relief efforts to aid nonprofits in responding to COVID-19. This list is updated daily.
• MCRF, an arm of the Cape Cod Times Needy Fund, is providing support to those on Cape Cod who have lost income and/or need food or medical supplies.
• MainVest in Salem has launched “the Main Street Initiative“ — $2,000, zero-interest cash loans to small businesses affected by coronavirus-related closures.
• The CJP is launching the CJP Coronavirus Emergency Fund for the Jewish community with $100,000 from its crisis reserve fund, and has already received pledges hundreds of donors
• Tufts Health Plan Foundation is making an additional $1 million available to efforts driven by community and to nonprofit organizations supporting older people affected by the coronavirus outbreak in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Connecticut.
• Lawyers for Civil Rights in Boston is activating its network of pro bono attorneys at more than 30 law firms, including firms such as Ropes & Gray and Nixon Peabody, to provide free legal support to small businesses during the crisis.
• Cambridge Local First has organized conference calls for local businesses and launched a petition urging the federal government to help Main Street businesses.
• RIZE Massachusetts Foundation, a nonprofit foundation working to end the opioid epidemic in the state, has awarded nearly $200,000 in rapid response grants to support nonprofit organizations strained by the Covid-19 pandemic.
• New Balance Foundation has committed $2 million in nonprofit grants in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to support local, regional and global communities.

• Commonwealth of Massachusetts COVID Business Resources Page

• MassHire Springfield Career Center can assist both unemployed residents as well as businesses seeking assistance in finding new employees.

• Common Capital is offering a Fast-Track Loan Program, information can be found here. Funding can be in hand within 7 days of loan approval.

• Facebook is preparing a $100 million program in cash grants and ad credits for small businesses. Sign up here for updates on when the application material will be available.

• Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce is providing regular updates here.

• Community Foundation is providing resources for non-profits that have been impacted, including a fund that has been seeded through a $1 million contribution from MassMutual.

• Verizon has provided an update on their policies regarding customers in need.

• Eversource has provided an update on their policies regarding customers in need.

• MA Department of Unemployment Assistance   hosts the Work Share program as an alternative for employers faced with a cut in workforce. Employers can divide available work among affected employees to receive a part of their unemployment insurance (UI) benefits while working reduced hours.

• MA Department of Unemployment Assistance is hosting a series of virutal town halls to assist those who need to apply for unemployment assistance. Please visit here for more information.

• Western Mass Economic Development Council COVID 19 Resource List

• Learn about local testing information and the latest updates from Cape Cod Healthcare
• The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment is maintaining a website for COVID-19 updates and information
• The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce is sharing information at Cape Cod & COVID-19
• Love Live Local is maintaining a list of food establishments, grocery stories, and pharmacies that are still Open for Business on Cape Cod
• The Enterprise Newspaper is making all their COVID-19 related news and updates free for all to access on their website
• Coastal Community Capital shared information on what paperwork business owners will need to apply for the the U.S. Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loans 
• The MassHire Cape & Islands Career Center is available by phone and email to assist and answer questions, and is a resource to those facing unemployment. More information about filing for unemployment 
• Cape Cod Young Professionals has a list of resources for Cape Cod's businesses, non-profits, young adults and families
• Several local chambers of commerce are maintaining COVID-19 information and links on their website, including a list of restaurants now offering take-out and delivery: 
  • Cape Cod Canal Region | Dennis | Eastham | Falmouth | Greater Hyannis Chamber of Commerce | Mashpee | Sandwich | Wellfleet | Yarmouth

• North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation Emergency Loan Fund

• City of Fitchburg Emergency Grant Opportunity

• City of Worcester Emergency Grant Opportunity

• COVID-19 Unemployment Resources

• Guidance and Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

• Bartender Emergency Assistance Program

• Consumer Information Page

• WorkShare Program
  a tool to help employers avoid layoffs during a downturn

• Rapid Response Program
  working closely with companies to avert layoffs and keep a skilled workforce engaged in the existing regional economy or industry

(Courtesy: Boston Business Journal, Worcester Business Journal, City of Springfield, Cape Cod Commission, and North Central Mass Chamber)

Disclaimer: The SBA does not endorse the organizations sponsoring linked websites, and does not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer.  All programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. 

SBA Massachusetts District Office

10 Causeway Street, RM265
Boston, MA, 02222 
Phone: (617) 565-5590
www.sba.gov/ma

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