This post originally appeared on SolaSalonStudios.com
On December 27, 2020, a new $900 billion Coronavirus relief bill was signed into law by the President. The bill includes updates to the Paycheck Protection Program, commonly referred to as “PPP.” The PPP is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.
Applicants must apply by March 31, 2021, with the goal of businesses using these funds to keep their business open and retain their employees through this economic recession.
How Do I Apply for a PPP Loan?
You can apply through any federally insured bank or credit union. Here is a list by state of PPP lenders that the SBA has published. The lender can walk you through the standardized application process.
What if I already got a PPP loan earlier in 2020?
A second draw PPP loan is available to eligible businesses who have previously received an original PPP loan and meet certain requirements, which include:
- Having used or will use all funds from their first PPP loan
- Showing a reduction in gross receipts of 25 percent or more during any quarter in 2020 when compared to that same quarter in 2019
How Much Money Can I Get Under the New PPP?
For both your first and second PPP loans, the maximum amount you can borrow is generally 2.5 times your average monthly payroll cost in a 12-month period. We know many of our Sola professionals do not have employees or payroll like other larger businesses. In that case, the PPP loan is instead based on your 2019 net profit (as reported on your 2019 tax return) divided by 12. This monthly “average” net profit is then multiplied by 2.5 to equal the PPP loan amount. In essence, the PPP loan should be roughly ten weeks’ worth of your 2019 net profit.
How Do I Get Loan Forgiveness Under PPP?
The loan forgiveness process has been simplified for first-time borrowers and second draw PPP loans of up to $150,000. In this case, you only have to complete a certification to be established by the SBA, which includes:
- Describing the number of employees the employer retained
- Estimating the amount of the loan spent on payroll costs
- Listing the total loan value
How Would I Apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan?
For loans up to $150,000, you'll need to submit a certification with your loan application attesting that your business meets the revenue loss requirements (25% or more reduction in gross receipts during any quarter in 2020 when compared to that same quarter in 2019). However, you will be required to prove this 25% reduction using your financial records before applying for loan forgiveness.
What Are the Requirements for How PPP Funds Can Be Used?
PPP funds must be used 60 percent for payroll costs and 40 percent for non-payroll expenses. Non-payroll expenses can include your rent (such as studio rent), expenses related to business software used to help your business during this time (such as SolaGenius), and costs related to the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment.