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Washington, D.C.— Today, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) introduced legislation that would create a new program under the Small Business Administration (SBA) to directly supply loans to small businesses impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. 

“As the severity of the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect day-to-day lives, Congress must take steps to promote the health, safety, and financial wellbeing of hardworking Americans,” said Chairwoman Velázquez. “As I have heard in Committee hearings and from small businesses in New York City, this public health crisis is set to leave lasting stains on our small business economy. That is why, during this trying time, I am introducing legislation that creates a direct loan program to ease the burden crushing Main Street while also stimulating the economy. Under this bill, small business owners will be able to finance payroll, employee benefits such as paid leave, and existing debt. The stakes are too high for the federal government to get this wrong; this bill is an important step in what must be a swift, bold government response to protect our country’s people and small businesses. ”
 

The SBA Business Stabilization Direct Loan Program Act of 2020 would:  

· Allow the SBA to make direct no-interest loans to borrowers impacted by COVID-19.

· Make small businesses located in a state or territory with a confirmed or presumed positive case of COVID-19 eligible for loans.

· Allow for loans to be used to provide employee benefits, pay wages, pay taxes, make telework arrangements, pay rent, refinance existing debt, and more. 
 

Additionally:

· Loans in the program will be under a term of 10 years with no required repayment in the first 12-months.

· Loans may not be denied due to inadequate collateral.

For full text of the bill, click here.
 

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