The Coronavirus Aid Relief Economic Security (CARES) Act provides, in part, for a significant expansion of U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lending, with banks to play an important part in the delivery mechanism. As such, banks should expect contacts from individuals and small businesses regarding the expanded programs. The information set forth below relates to SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). Fact Sheet for SBA Disaster Loan Assistance The SBA provides low-interest, long-term disaster loans to businesses of all sizes. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the SBA has authorized EIDLs. EIDLs are working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period. Citizens in all states of the United States are included in eligibility to apply for these loans. A chart showing the SBA’s 3-Step process for applying for EIDL loans can be viewed at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Documents/Three_Step_Process_SBA_Disaster_Loans.pdf. Additionally, the following information is from the SBA’s Fact Sheets for EIDLs https://www.mccookgazette.com/files/ne_16371_fact_sheet_covid_gov_cert_eidl.pdf: Credit Requirements:
The interest rate is determined by formulas set by law and is fixed for the life of the loan. The maximum interest rate for this program is 3.75 percent. Loan Terms:
The law authorizes loan terms up to a maximum of 30 years. SBA will determine an appropriate installment payment based on the financial condition of each borrower, which in turn will determine the loan term.
Loan Amount Limit:
The law limits EIDLs to $2,000,000 for alleviating economic injury caused by the disaster. The actual amount of each loan is limited to the economic injury determined by SBA, less business interruption insurance and other recoveries up to the administrative lending limit. SBA also considers potential contributions that are available from the business and/or its owner(s) or affiliates. If a business is a major source of employment, SBA has the authority to waive the $2,000,000 statutory limit.
Loan Eligibility Restrictions:
Noncompliance – Applicants who have not complied with the terms of previous SBA loans may not be eligible. This includes borrowers who did not maintain required flood insurance and/or hazard insurance on previous SBA loans.
Refinancing:
Economic injury disaster loans cannot be used to refinance long term debts.
Insurance Requirements:
To protect each borrower and the Agency, SBA may require you to obtain and maintain appropriate insurance. By law, borrowers whose damaged or collateral property is located in a special flood hazard area must purchase and maintain flood insurance. SBA requires that flood insurance coverage be the lesser of 1) the total of the disaster loan, 2) the insurable value of the property, or 3) the maximum insurance available.
Applications and Information:
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. 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 mailing, completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.