We recognize the potential impacts of COVID-19 on our business climate is unpredictable. However, the businesses, citizens, and economy of Lubbock remain resilient and strong. During difficult times we must remember to continue to support local businesses in our community. We encourage you to shop locally when possible and to support the guidance and directives issued by our community leadership. Please refer to the links below for more business-related resources.
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Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL)
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CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The Lubbock Chamber continues to be a resource as we face the threat of the Coronavirus occurrences in our community and its effects on your business. We know there have been many questions in regards to the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and we’d like to personally reach out to our business community to provide the specific details.
- Loans will be available for any business concern, a nonprofit organization classified as 501(c)(3), veterans organization, or tribal business concern classified as 31(b)(2)(C) if they employ less than 500 employees. Sole proprietors, independent contractors, and eligible self-employed individuals also qualify for PPP loans. Sub-entities, franchisees, etc. may also qualify.
- Applications are made not at SBA, but at local cooperating banks and lending institutions.
- Borrower requirements include a good faith certification that the uncertainty of current economic conditions makes necessary the loan request to support the ongoing operations, and that the funds will be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or make mortgage payments, lease payments, and utility payments.
- Eligible recipients can receive a loan for up to 2.5 months of their average monthly payroll costs capped at $10 million. Payroll costs will be calculated from the payroll costs incurred during the 1 year period before the date on which the loan is made. Seasonal employers would use the 12-week period beginning either February 15 or March 1 to determine an average monthly payroll cost.
- Payroll costs can include salary, wage, commissions, cash tips, leave, payment for group health care benefits, retirement benefits, etc. Payroll costs cannot include the compensation of an individual in excess of $100,000, any compensation of an employee whose principal residence is outside of the United States, or wages that have already been credited under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
- Loans can then be used for payroll costs, interest payments on any mortgage obligation, rent, utilities, and interest on any other debt obligations. Mortgage, rent, utility, and debt obligations must have all been agreed upon before February 15, 2020.
- These loans will be due in 2 years with an interest rate of 0.5%. All payments are deferred for 6 months; however, interest will continue to accrue over this period.
LOAN FORGIVENESS
- PPP loans can be forgiven after a period of 8 weeks beginning on the date of the origination of a covered loan.
- PPP loans will be forgiven for payments made in the 8 weeks following the beginning date of the loan on payroll costs, interest payments on any mortgage obligation, rent, and utilities. Amounts forgiven under PPP will be considered canceled indebtedness by a lender.
- The amount forgiven cannot exceed the principal amount on the covered loan. Employers are also required to retain their employees or the forgiven amount will be reduced. Forgiven amounts will also be reduced if employers reduce salaries and wages greater than 25%.
- Employers will be required to provide documentation to be eligible for loan forgiveness.
For more information for borrowers please see here.
For more information for lenders please see here.
For a copy of the application form please click here.
For a copy of the PPP Borrower Information Fact Sheet please click here.
For a copy of the CARES Act Small Business Guide and Checklist please click here.
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South Plains COVID-19 Response Fund
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Farm Service Updates
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Workforce Solution South Plains
In response to Governor Abbott’s state of disaster declaration in the state of Texas due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Workforce Solutions South Plains is committed to being responsive to the needs of parents, job seekers and employers during this time.
The goal of Workforce Solutions South Plains is to continue providing uninterrupted workforce services in our area.
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Health Resources
Help us flatten the curve by adhering to guidelines set by our local, state and national leaders as outlined below. Washing your hands, practicing social distancing and using good judgment is as important now more than ever to continue our efforts in supporting Lubbock and keeping our community safe. Please review the following list of resources for COVID-19.
