SBA and Treasury Announce PPP Re-Opening and Issue New Guidance
January 11, 2021 9:12 AM | Raman S Dhillon (Administrator)
The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced on January 8, that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility was released on January 6 in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.
This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
Please join SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza on Monday, January 11 at 1:00 pm ET for a live webinar to announce the launch of Ascent. Ascent is a first-of-its-kind digital online learning platform geared to help women-owned small businesses grow and scale their existing business.
With Ascent, female entrepreneurs will be able to utilize this platform that brings a modern, e-learning experience specifically targeted for women business owners.
SBA Extends Application Deadline for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
January 01, 2021 10:51 AM | Raman S Dhillon (Administrator)
This week, SBA announced that the deadline to apply for a COVID-19 pandemic Economic Injury Disaster Loan has been extended to December 31, 2021.
To date, SBA has approved $197 billion in low-interest loans, which provide U.S. small businesses, non-profits, and agricultural businesses working capital funds. Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications will continue to be accepted through December 2021, pending the availability of funds.
Loans are offered at affordable terms, including a 3.75% interest rate for small businesses and 2.75% for non-profit organizations, a 30-year maturity, and an automatic deferment of one year before monthly payments begin. All eligible small businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to apply.
Learn more and apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan
Stay safe from cybersecurity threats
October 02, 2020 1:50 PM | Raman S Dhillon (Administrator)
Cyber attacks are a growing concern for small businesses. Learn about the threats and how to protect yourself.
September 13, 2020 2:39 PM | Raman S Dhillon (Administrator)
As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration and cosponsors will host all virtual events September 22-24, 2020. This year's National Small Business Week activities will include numerous educational panels providing retooling and innovative practices for entrepreneurs as our nation's small businesses look to pivot and recover, contributing to a stronger economy. The event will recognize the national award winners, including the naming of the National Small Business Person of the Year.
The National Small Business Week event schedule includes three days recognizing America's outstanding entrepreneurs, shining a spotlight on the nation's 30 million small businesses across the country.
August 26, 2020 8:16 AM | Raman S Dhillon (Administrator)
We're celebrating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to our Constitution which secured the right to vote for women and marking a monumental step toward the "more perfect Union" envisioned by our Founders. This milestone in American history was the product of the tireless efforts of suffragists and other advocates for women's rights, who steadfastly pursued their vision of a more just and equal society. At the SBA, we advocate for and support women entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing resources to start, grow, expand or recover a business.
Track your vote-by-mail ballot
August 25, 2020 2:02 PM | Raman S Dhillon (Administrator)
Dear California Voter,
All California voters will be sent a vote-by-mail ballot with a prepaid postage return envelope for the November 3, 2020 General Election.
All voters can now get critical updates on their ballots through California's official "Where's My Ballot?" tracking tool. Signing up takes less than three minutes!
You can also copy this URL into your browser: wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov
**If you have already signed up for "Where's My Ballot?" you do not need to take further action.**
What you'll be able to track
You can select to receive notifications on the status of your vote-by-mail ballot by text (SMS), email, or voice call, including alerts if there are any issues with your ballot and instructions for how to correct them to make sure your vote is counted.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to track your ballot every step of the way!
Alex Padilla
California Secretary of State
Today marks 99 days until the General Election on November 3, 2020!
July 27, 2020 8:49 AM | Raman S Dhillon (Administrator)
All California voters will be sent a vote-by-mail ballot with prepaid postage for the General Election.
To make sure you get your ballot, we are asking all California voters to double-check their voter registration at:
You can ensure a smooth voting experience by:
Confirming your mailing address
Signing up for ballot tracking notifications
For voters unable to take advantage of vote-by-mail, you can still visit your local polling place for safe in-person voting and same-day registration.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to have your ballot mailed directly to your home!
On behalf of the California Secretary of State's Office, thank you!
P.S. Voting by mail helps protect your community by saving the polling place for those that need it. Double-check your voter registration today to ensure you receive your vote-by-mail ballot.
California Secretary of State | 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, California 95814
www.sos.ca.gov
SBA Programs - Scams and Fraud Alerts
July 24, 2020 7:13 PM | Raman S Dhillon (Administrator)
By Office of Inspector General
Beware of Scams and Fraud Schemes
The Office of Inspector General recognizes that we are facing unprecedented times and is alerting the public about potential fraud schemes related to economic stimulus programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration in response to the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the largest financial assistance bill to date, includes provisions to help small businesses. Fraudsters have already begun targeting small business owners during these economically difficult times. Be on the lookout for grant fraud, loan fraud, and phishing.
Scams and Fraud Schemes
Earth Day Every Day: What Did We See and Learn from Earth Day 2020's Digital Actions?
July 16, 2020 11:12 AM | Raman S Dhillon (Administrator)
At Bank of the West, we try to promote an "Earth Day is every day" mentality. That's one reason why we are launching the new 1% for the Planet account1—the first checking account designed for climate action. The account helps you track the carbon footprint of purchases2 made with your compostable3 debit card, and gives 1% back of net revenue to the environment, at no cost to you4. There are lots of great ways to take action, express your convictions, and press for change. Here are some of the most inspiring ones from this year's Earth Day, all relevant, inspiring, and in many cases ongoing.
Grocery stores not giving customers change back amid COVID-19 related coin shortage
Kroger is making some key changes at checkout as the U.S. experiences a coin shortage connected to the corona virus pandemic.
The grocer announced this week that they will not be returning coin change to customers who pay with cash during the shortage, and are instead offering other solutions.