Small business administrations provide a variety of tools and services that can help your company grow. These services range from free government grants to loans. However, there are times when disputes arise regarding the eligibility and repayment of an SBA loan.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a federal program that provides forgivable loans to small businesses to cover payroll costs. The loan is 100% guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
In addition to payroll protection, PPP offers resources for small businesses to hire back laid off employees, pay overhead and other expenses. It is also available to qualified nonprofit organizations.
Before making a decision on a loan application, borrowers must ensure that they comply with all requirements. For instance, businesses must maintain accurate bookkeeping and payroll records. They also need to be ready for the SBA’s compliance checks.
To apply for a PPP loan, applicants can submit a loan request through the SBA’s online portal. Once the request is reviewed, a lender will make a decision in 60 days.
As part of the CARES Act, Paycheck Protection Program was made available to small businesses in need. It is intended to help them survive the economic disruption caused by COVID-19.
Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant
The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) is an important economic relief program. It provides financial aid to live performing arts organizations and related businesses. SVOG grants are equal to 45% of an eligible organization’s gross earned revenue.
In addition to providing grants, the SVOG program is designed to help local economies recover. Applicants are required to certify their need for funding. Recipients may not be required to repay the funds they receive. However, the funds cannot be used to make loans.
SVOG applications can be submitted through the SBA’s application portal. As of April 24, the program has awarded approximately $9 billion to 50 businesses. Since that time, updates have been made to the program, including the SVOG Preliminary Grant Application Checklist (04-23-21), and cross-program eligibility information.
SVOG applicants can also sign up for a national information webinar. A trained counselor will be available to answer questions about the SVOG process. There will be webinars every week. Interested parties can register for the sessions at www.svogrant.sba.gov.
Data collection on applications received and loans funded
Small business administrations collect data on applications received and loans funded. These are important for understanding small business credit use. The CFPB is working to improve data collection on small business lending.
Small firms are difficult to fund because they have limited access to the capital needed to grow. This is partly due to the financial crisis. During the recession, many small businesses failed. As a result, small business lending was significantly reduced. However, the recovery has been relatively rapid. In 2013, nearly two-thirds of businesses that applied for loans received them.
New financing is also available through outside investors and government agencies. Those sources are vital for the growth and survival of small businesses. Some small businesses turn to informal sources of finance when more traditional sources are unavailable.
Other small businesses are able to obtain funding from family and friends. This may be more prevalent in younger, smaller firms. Those that are older are more likely to obtain credit from formal sources.
Disputes regarding an SBA loan
In small business administration, disputes regarding an SBA loan can involve lenders and borrowers. If you are a borrower who is not satisfied with the decision of the lender, you may petition the Office of Hearings and Appeals to appeal the decision. Whether you can bring an appeal depends on your legal rights and the laws governing the matter. Here is an overview of your options.
Lenders must notify the SBA of any plans to file an action against the SBA before filing an action. A lender who files an action against the SBA must sue in its own name, not in the name of the SBA.
The lender must also submit a litigation plan to the SBA for approval. This litigation plan template helps ensure that the litigation is reasonable and cost-effective.
The lender must also prepare a detailed report of the assets remaining on the loan. This information must be submitted within 60 days of the unremedied payment default.
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