No one saw it coming that COVID-19 would be killing your small business today. And, no one imagined how disruptive it would be or how long it would go on as we are about to enter 2022.
No one could anticipate the turmoil that this devastating virus would cause to everyone, both personally and financially.
One of the largest financial hardships, of this crisis, was felt by the Small Business sector.
Small businesses make up 44% of the U.S. Economy.
As of August 31, 2020, 163,735 businesses have indicated on Yelp that they have closed. (According to a CNBC story.) That’s in addition to the originally 180,000 that closed at the beginning of the Covid-19 shutdowns. (Today that number is around 200,000!)
*96% of small business owners are feeling coronavirus impact…
There are some small businesses that are thriving out there during the Covid-19 pandemic crisis as well. (Small grocery stories, businesses related to real estate and computers, working online, etc.)
One of the largest financial hardships, of this crisis, was felt by the Small Business sector. #smallbusiness #smallbiz Click To TweetPaycheck Protection Loan Forgiveness
There are 2 tiers for the Paycheck Protection Loan Forgiveness that are running out soon:
First Draw PPP loans made to eligible borrowers qualify for full loan forgiveness if during the 8- to 24-week covered period following loan disbursement:
- Employee and compensation levels are maintained
- The loan proceeds are spent on payroll costs and other eligible expenses; and
- At least 60% of the proceeds are spent on payroll costs
Second Draw PPP loans made to eligible borrowers qualify for full loan forgiveness if during the 8- to 24-week covered period following loan disbursement:
- Employee and compensation levels are maintained in the same manner as required for the First Draw PPP loan
- The loan proceeds are spent on payroll costs and other eligible expenses; and
- At least 60% of the proceeds are spent on payroll costs
The online application will ensure the correct calculations are made. They will also ask for supporting documentation for the expenses listed on your forgiveness application.
You can register here on their portal.
Other Help may be on the Way if Covid-19 is Killing Your Small Business
Economic relief was rolled out early on in the form of Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans and new stimulus packages were rolled out as the crisis continued.
The Federal Reserve is encouraging banks to lend to struggling businesses and to extend debt payments, for those that need it and as the other loans were not continued.
Applying for a small-business loan can be a major hurdle facing the small business owner.
However, it doesn’t have to be difficult, if you are prepared before you apply.
Steps Towards a Successful Business Loan Application
Ask yourself, why do I need this loan?
That is the primary question on the loan application. Lenders want to know exactly what you plan to do with the money. Will it be for to catch up on overdue bills incurred from the crisis?
Finally, will it be to cover the day-to-day expenses? The more specific you are when describing your loan purpose, the better the lender can serve your needs.
Decide which type of loan is right for you.
Your reasons for needing the loan will dictate the type of small-business loan you get. If
However, if your business is a year old or more, and you have a revenue history, you have more financing options. You could apply for a Small Business loan, a term loan, or perhaps a business line of credit loan.
Currently, you may also be eligible for some “economic injury disaster loan options” currently available, during this time of crisis, such as the Paycheck Protection Program.
Determine the best type of small-business lender.
You can get small-business loans from several places. Then, you can apply with the SBA, your local bank, a credit union, a nonprofit micro-lender, or an online lender. These lenders offer products such as term loans, lines of credit, and accounts receivable financing.
You should approach small-business-loan shopping just as you would shopping for a car.
Once you determine which type of lender and financing vehicle are right for you, compare two or three similar options based on the annual percentage rate (total borrowing cost) and terms.
Of the loans you qualify for, choose the one with the lowest APR, as long as you are able to handle the loan’s regular payments.
You can get small-business loans from several places. Then, you can apply with the SBA, your local bank, a credit union, a nonprofit micro-lender or an online lender. #SBA Click To TweetFind out if you qualify.
Know your credit score! It is THE ONE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR that will determine which loans you’ll qualify for.
You can get your credit report for free from each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — once a year.
Banks or Credit Unions offer the least expensive small-business loans. They favor borrowers with credit scores at least above 680.
Lenders will determine your interest rate based on 3 other major factors as well – but not limited to — How long you have been in business, Your previous net business income, and your debt-to-income ratio.
This information is used to determine if you can afford the payments.
Know your credit score! It is THE ONE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR that will determine which loans you’ll qualify for. #SBA #smallbiztips Click To TweetGather your Documents.
Once you’ve compared your options, it’s time to apply for the loan that fits your financing needs and those that you qualify for.
You can apply for multiple small-business loans within a short time frame (about two weeks) without a negative effect on your personal credit score.
Depending on the lender, you’ll need to submit a combination — but not limited to —the following documents with your application:
- Business and personal tax returns
- Or business and personal bank statements
- And business financial statements
Business legal documents (e.g., articles of incorporation, commercial lease, franchise agreement).
The United States Chamber of Commerce to the Rescue?
The US Chamber of Commerce has recently come up with a new online resource center with funding programs, resources, and guidance for small businesses struggling from the pandemic and waiting for Congress to provide further financial relief.
It is called Save Small Business and you can visit their website today for more information.
The Chamber of Commerce website does break down state by state with the programs available at the state level. A very informative website to visit for your small business if you need help!
The US Chamber of Commerce has recently come up with a new online resource center with funding programs, resources, and guidance for small businesses #smallbiztips Click To TweetGetting Workers Back to Work at Your Small Business
Today, the biggest problem for small businesses is finding workers. There are over 10.6 million jobs open in the United States.
Some 3.1 million individuals look to have completely dropped out of the labor force since the start of the pandemic, according to the Department of Labor. Some individuals might have retired during the recession; other households might’ve realized they can get by with fewer hours or workers in the family.
Everywhere you go you see the help wanted signs in the windows of every business. Many are offering $1,500 sign-on bonuses at local restaurants and are willing to pay over $20 an hour.
Bigger businesses like Amazon are offering full college tuition to lure workers in. Sadly, these bigger businesses may accelerate the killing of your small business with these type of incentives.
However, with the new mandates for companies over 100 to have employees vaccinated or go through weekly testing, it may cost big businesses money and jobs as well.
The Impact of Inflation on Your Small Biz
Today more than ever inflation is rearing its ugly head. Recent inflation rose 6.2% – the most in 31 years. What is a small business to do? Cut costs where you can with energy by lowering your heat and getting monthly bills down like your payment processors.
Of course, you can’t cut employees as you need them to help your small biz grow. But there are some ways you can try to reduce your costs to help ease the inflation squeeze.
In Conclusion of the Covid-19 Killing Your Small Business
Is the Covid-19 crisis still killing your small business today? How has your business been surviving if it has? Has your business been able to pivot and grow?
Have you been able to hire anyone for your small business?
I’d love to know more in the comments below.
