COVID-19 Resources for Pearland Businesses
The City and the City’s Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) understand the impact COVID-19 is having on our local employers and our community’s economy. We are committed to facilitating communications and support from state and local resources during this time.
As additional federal and state government resources become available in the future, we will periodically update this information. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Below are some local resources that can provide assistance during this disruption.
Small Business Administration Programs
Texas Workforce Commission and Economic Development Resources
CDC: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)
There are multiple programs from the Small Business Administration to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19.
I. SBA ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN (EIDL) AND EMERGENCY ECONOMIC INJURY GRANTS
Background
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as the result of COVID-19 through December 31, 2021. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provides small businesses with working capital loans that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. SBA offers the loan with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. In April 2021, the SBA raised the loan limit for the COVID-19 EIDL program from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000.
These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses with a maximum 30-year term. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
There is no cost to apply with funds coming directly from the US Treasury and not your bank. SBA will calculate the businesses’ ability to fund itself for the next six months and if it cannot, it is eligible for a loan. There is no required personal guarantee for loans up to $200,000. Collateral is required on EIDLs over $25,000, but a loan will not be declined for a lack of collateral, however, will require the borrower to pledge what is available. Payments start the 12th month after the date of the note. There is no obligation to take the loan or draw down entire amount offered.
Application and Additional Information
Applications are handled online through the SBA. To apply online, click here.
For Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 EIDL loans, click here.
Additional and up-to-date information can be found on the COVID-19 Relief Options page on the SBA’s website and Application.
II. SBA PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
Background
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), as part of the 2021 Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, provides funding for small businesses payroll, benefits and some operating costs. The program is currently closed, but for more information, visit the PPP page on the SBA’s website.
III. SBA SMALL BUSINESS DEBT RELIEF
The CARES Act provided the SBA funding to pay all principal, interest and fees for six months on all core existing non-disaster SBA loan products, including 7(a), Community Advantage, 504 and microloan programs. The program debt relief was resumed for an additional three months starting in February 2021 with payments of principal and interest capped at $9,000 per borrower per month. Borrowers in the hardest hit sectors by the pandemic, including food service and accommodation: arts, entertainment and recreations; education; and laundry and personal care services will receive an additional five months of relief after the additional three months.
SBA will also make payments of principal and interest on newly approved loans between February 1 and September 30, 2021, also capped at $9,000 per month.
Please contact your lender to see if your existing loan qualifies.
IV. SBA EXPRESS BRIDGE LOANS
The Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.
Terms
-
- Up to $25,000
- Fast turnaround
- Will be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from the EIDL loan
TAX PROVISIONS FOR BUSINESSES
The Employee Retention Tax Credit and other tax provisions are available to assist business with cash flow and liquidity to encourage businesses to keep employees on the payroll during the COVID-19 crisis. We encourage you to reach out to your accountant/tax preparer to see which provisions can benefit your business.
TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION AND ECONOMIC DVELOPMENT RESOURCES
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) offers resources to help Texas employers and employees withstand a slowdown in business such as the impact of COVID-19. For more information on TWC resources for employers, click here.
The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office and community partners continue to work together to provide direct assistance and resource referrals to Texas businesses. For additional information, click here.
CDC: INTERIM GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYERS
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released guidance to assist businesses and employers plan, prepare and respond to Coronavirus Disease. The CDC will update this interim guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available.
LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCES
Pearland continues to work with local, regional and state partners to monitor and prepare for Coronavirus. We encourage you to visit the local County Public Health information pages for the most recent local information.
We also encourage you to visit the COVID-19 page on the City of Pearland’s website.