SBA Announces Changes to EIDL Loans and Advance Grants

A SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan is a low-interest loan for small businesses that experience economic hardship as the result of a declared disaster, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

The limit on these loans was originally $2 million, with a $10,000 advance which would be distributed within 3 days of application.  The $10,000 would be forgivable if utilized for proper purposes. 

However, the SBA recently announced a change to how it will administer EIDLs and the advance grants.  In order to meet the high demand and provide funds to the greatest number of applicants, the SBA is reducing the cap on the loans from $2 million to $15,000, and the advance grants will be $1,000 per employee, capped at $10,000.  

EIDL loans can still be used to provide paid sick leave to employees unable to work due to COVID-19, maintaining payroll, meeting increased costs due to supply chain disruptions, rent or mortgage payments, and repaying debt obligations.  As of Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at 12:50 p.m., it is still our understanding that the advance grant is forgivable.

NAR has expressed concern that this dramatic change in the implementation of the programs will reduce their usefulness for many small businesses and disproportionately impact independent contractors who do not have employees.  NAR has voiced this concern to Congress and urged them to provide additional funding to the SBA loan programs in future COVID-19 relief bills to ensure that the programs can provide adequate funding and assistance to businesses in need during the crisis.

As conditions continue to change, Louisiana REALTORS® will confirm these changes and update this site.  We encourage you also to visit nar.realtor for updates.