COVID-19 RESOURCES

The Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program will officially reopen Jan. 11, the agency confirmed today.

The agency will only be accepting what its calling "first-draw" loans from small businesses that have yet to receive a PPP loan, and it will only be accepting those applications from lenders it has signaled as "community financial institutions." The agency has defined those as Community Development Financial Institutions, minority deposit institutions, certified development companies and microloan intermediaries, which means those lenders will be able to process applications and submit them to the SBA first.

On Jan. 13, small businesses applying for a second PPP loan will be able to do so, but once again only with community financial institutions.

The PPP will then open up to all participating lenders "shortly thereafter," the agency said as part of its announcement, though it did not specify an exact date. We have asked for additional details on that timeline and will update this story when we hear back. The $284.45 billion program, funded by the new $900 billion federal stimulus bill that passed in December, will run through March 31, according to the agency.

"The historically successful Paycheck Protection Program served as an economic lifeline to millions of small businesses and their employees when they needed it most," said SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza in a statement. "Today's guidance builds on the success of the program and adapts to the changing needs of small business owners by providing targeted relief and a simpler forgiveness process to ensure their path to recovery."

The new program allows small businesses to apply for their first PPP loans, largely under the program's original rules when it rolled out last year, including a $10 million loan cap and a roughly 500-employee size limit, though that can change depending on the type of business and industry. PPP borrowers can choose between an eight-week or 24-week "covered period," in which to spend the PPP loan proceeds, of which up to 40% can be used on such business expenses as interest on mortgages, rent and an expanded set of costs, including property damage, supplier costs and personal protective equipment.

Small businesses that have seen at least a 25% quarterly revenue reduction in 2020 compared with the same quarter in 2019 will also be able to apply for a second PPP loan of up to $2 million, according to agency guidance. Small businesses of up to 300 employees are eligible for those. The program has also expanded to include news organizations, destination marketing organizations and nonprofits categorized as 501c(6), which includes local chambers of commerce and trade organizations.

We have already detailed some of the ins and outs of this upcoming PPP round and who qualifies, as well as which lenders will be able to access the portal first when it does go live. This is in addition to a separate $15 billion grant program for live venues and theaters — applicants can only apply and receive funds from one or the other.

The announced opening date comes after the agency released a new set of guidance Wednesday to help govern the program, including that small businesses that are temporarily closed or suspended are still eligible for a second PPP loan. But businesses that are permanently closed are not. It is unclear what criteria SBA will use to differentiate between the two, though the "certification" that business owners make includes a pledge that they do not permanently shutter.

Powder Springs residents negatively affected by COVID-19 can now apply for financial assistance for mortgage or rent and utilities.

The City of Powder Springs Financial Assistance Program is aimed at city residents negatively impacted due to employer shutdowns, furloughs, school closures, layoffs or illness during the pandemic. Funded by federal dollars through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and given to the city by the county, the one-time assistance for eligible individuals or families would cover up to two months of mortgage/rent and utilities.

Individual and family households may be accepted in the assistance program, with households required to have a combined household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines and lack sufficient resources to maintain permanent housing. Evidence of "lacks sufficient resources" includes but is not limited to source documents such as notice of termination from employment, unemployment compensation statement, bank statement, health care bill showing arrears or utility bill showing arrears.

The program is being administered by the Center for Family Resources, which will make payment(s) of each assisted household covered debts directly to the owed vendor(s).

Assistance funding is capped at $111,000, with the application cutoff date set for Dec. 15, 2020, or when all funds are used.

Additional eligibility details can be found on the city's website, cityofpowdersprings.org, with applications available through the Center for Family Resources by calling 770-428-2601.

Congressman David Scott, Cobb and Douglas Public Health, The Family Health Centers of Georgia, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Georgia Association of Broadcasters, and Urban League of Greater Atlanta are hosting a free COVID-19 testing and food distribution event at Word of Faith Cathedral in Austell. Food will be distributed on a first come, first served basis to the first 600 vehicles with a limit of one distribution of food per household while supplies last. To pre-register for testing, click here. There is no cost to be tested. Photo identification such as a driver's license, state issued ID, or school or work ID must be presented for testing. For more information, call Congressman Scott's Office at 770-210-5073.

Governor Kemp signed a new executive order that allows local government to issue mask mandates. Local governments and private businesses can require masks as long as they meet various guidelines. Read the executive order here.

Samson Tours, a charter bus company, is facilitating mobile testing across Georgia. If you'd like to feature this service at your business, contact 23 Consulting, LLC at 23consultingllc.com/covid-19.

Governor Brian Kemp issued a new Executive Order on Tuesday afternoon relaxing restrictions for restaurants and day cares, while extending restrictions for bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. View the executive order here.

Congress has approved $484 billion in new COVID-19 funding relief. This relief package includes money for the small business loan program, hospitals and testing. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has provided a summary of the new CARES Act funding. The legislation is expected to be signed into law by the end of the week.

Other helpful resources:
SBA's Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources
SBA's Coronavirus Funding Relief Options

Under the direction of Governor Brian Kemp, the Georgia National Guard has selected Kennesaw State University to host a new, drive-thru site to test Georgians for COVID-19. The testing site, located on the university's Kennesaw campus, will be commanded by the Georgia National Guard, with testing performed by medical personnel from Augusta University. Testing will be by appointment only; no walk-up testing will be allowed in order to protect workers. The testing facility at KSU will operate daily, from 8am to 12pm and will be able to facilitate 240 tests each day. This location will be operated as a controlled environment with personnel following the strictest health and safety protocols. Individuals may request a virtual screening for the virus at www.augustahealth.org or download a virtual screening app for their smart phone through AU Health ExpressCare.

Governor Kemp has extended his executive orders regarding utilizing the Georgia National Guard regarding the COVID-19 response and recovery efforts; nursing homes and long-term care facilities; and the suspension of short-term rentals.

The Cobb Chamber has started an Economic Recovery Taskforce to develop and implement a strategic approach to proactively drive our community's economic recovery from COVID-19. Learn more here.

For more information on the COVID-19 Federal Stimulus plan, click here.

To stay up to date on the changing information, sign up for Congressman Loudermilk's newsletter, here.

Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department announced up to $2.3 trillion in additional loans to support the economy. Click here to read more.

Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) is expanding its drive-thru testing criteria at both the Jim Miller Park and Hunter Park testing sites. Click here to learn more.