The $2 trillion CARES Act, signed into law March 24, expands the types and amount of coronavirus disaster relief available to businesses, sole proprietors, independent contractors, and gig economy workers.
The Federal Small Business Administration outlines the available programs online.
Details and complexities are important to understand, and many businesses that qualify will need help navigating the process and obtaining benefits under the CARES ACT (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security).
For example, small businesses are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000 to cover a temporary loss of revenue, and the SBA says the loan advance will not have to be repaid—under a specific set of circumstances.
Our team of business attorneys is standing by to help business owners seeking help with identifying the proper relief program and obtaining an optimal level of benefits. (Scroll to the bottom to connect with an attorney or see the Business, Corporate & Commercial Law page.)
The CARES ACT for businesses includes:
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance
The loans offer up to $2 million in assistance to help businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue. Funds may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the coronavirus disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses. The interest rate for nonprofits is 2.75%. The loan term is up to 30 years. - Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program authorizes up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. Eligible entities include small businesses, nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors—if they also meet program size standards. - SBA Debt Relief
The SBA will pay the principal and interest of new 7(a) loans issued prior to Sept. 27, 2020, and pay the principal and interest of current 7(a) loans for a period of six months. - SBA Express Bridge Loans
The Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses that currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loan or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. The bridge loans will be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from the EIDL loan.
The SBA coordinates with the governors of each state in making the coronavirus relief available.
Connecticut’s coronavirus relief page for businesses also includes information on:
- Tax filing extensions for certain state businesses
- Unemployment assistance
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reimbursement of medical leave costs for small and medium-sized businesses
Connect with any of the Cramer & Anderson Business Law attorneys for assistance with any aspect of coronavirus relief for Connecticut businesses.
Attorney Mitchell Melnick has decades of experience providing transactional, compliance, and business planning advice to a wide variety of businesses and individuals. He works in the firm’s New Milford office and may be reached by email at mmelnick@crameranderson.com or by phone at (860) 355-2631.
Attorney Dolores Schiesel is the Resident Partner in the firm’s Kent office. She has extensive experience in real estate and business law, as well as Estate Planning and Elder Law. Call Attorney Schiesel Monday through Friday at (860) 927-3568, or email her anytime at drs@crameranderson.com.
Attorney Neal D. White, Jr. is the lead Partner for business and corporate law in the firm’s Litchfield office. He assists business owners with the formation of limited liability companies, corporations & partnerships, and counsels businesses of all sizes on a broad range of issues. His clients also include nonprofit organizations. Contact Attorney White by email at nwhite@cramer-anderson.com or by phone at (860) 567-8718,
Working With Us Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak
Our attorneys and staff are working remotely amid the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis, but they are accessible by phone or email, and are using technology such as Zoom, and Facetime for meetings and conference calls.
In-person meetings are possible when necessary, by observing proper social distancing techniques.
To learn more, see the News section of our website, www.www.crameranderson.com.
About Cramer & Anderson
Cramer & Anderson LLP serves clients from six offices in western Connecticut (currently closed to the public) with a hometown sensibility and a worldly outlook. The flagship office is located in a historic structure on the Green in New Milford. Additional offices are located in Danbury, Litchfield, Kent, and Washington Depot, and Ridgefield, serving Fairfield County. See the website at www.crameranderson.com to learn more.
