On July 28, 2021, the US Small Business Administration (SBA) launched a new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) direct forgiveness portal to allow borrowers with PPP loans of $150,000 or less through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA. The new forgiveness platform, which will begin accepting applications from borrowers on August 4, 2021, will streamline applications for over 6.5 million small businesses.
Established by the CARES Act in 2020, the PPP permitted the SBA to provide forgivable loans to qualified businesses impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Currently, all borrowers submit forgiveness documentation to lenders who submit the information and the forgiveness decision to the SBA.
The new direct forgiveness portal allows small borrowers ($150,000 or less) to request forgiveness directly from the SBA. Lenders must opt in to this program here, and borrowers can only submit their forgiveness applications if their lender has elected to participate. Lenders can approve, reject, or require resubmission of borrowers’ direct forgiveness submissions, and once approved by the lender, the SBA will review the application. A PPP Forgiveness Platform User Guide outlining the direct forgiveness sign-up and approval process was released on July 29, 2021. In addition to the technology platform, the SBA has assembled a customer service team to answer questions and directly assist borrowers with their forgiveness applications. Borrowers with questions or concerns can contact the SBA customer service team at (877) 552-2692, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST.
If you have any questions regarding this alert, please contact Corey Auerbach, Land Use & Zoning Practice Area co-chair, at cauerbach@barclaydamon.com; Scott Rogoff, Hotels, Hospitality & Food Service Team leader, at srogoff@barclaydamon.com; or another member of the firm’s Hotels, Hospitality & Food Service Team.
We also have a specific team of Barclay Damon attorneys who are actively working on assessing regulatory, legislative, and other governmental updates related to COVID-19 and who are prepared to assist clients. Please contact Yvonne Hennessey, COVID-19 Response Team leader, at yhennessey@barclaydamon.com, or any member of the COVID-19 Response Team at COVID-19ResponseTeam@barclaydamon.com.