SBA and LED Financial Assistance for Small Businesses
LOUISIANA REALTORS • April 5, 2020
As the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to hit more Americans, federal and state governments have made programs available to assist small businesses with their payroll and business expenses. Louisiana REALTORS® has consolidated information about these programs for you to access in one convenient place.
Federal and State Resources Available for REALTORS® During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Federal and state governments have made programs available to assist small businesses with payroll and business expenses as the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues. If used for the intended purposes, this financial assistance may not be required to be repaid.
As always, we urge you to speak to your financial advisor, CPA, community bank, and/or attorney to determine what assistance is best for you. Also, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offices throughout the state are available to provide remote assistance when applying for various programs. Further information is available here: https://www.lsbdc.org/
We also encourage you to speak to your current lenders about additional assistance available, including bridge loans and loan deferment or forbearance. If deferment or forbearance is available, be sure to ask how much will be due and when, credit reporting and interest and penalties.
Please note that unemployment assistance is different from the assistance available through these programs. See Unemployment Benefits for Self Employed and Independent Contractors.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMS
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) created two new programs/grants to be administered through the Small Business Administration (SBA). The two programs are the following:
- SBA 7(a) “Paycheck Protection Program” (PPP)
- SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) grant
The Act required the SBA and the Department of the Treasury to issue regulations and guidance necessary to administer the programs within a matter of days. This has led to a flurry of information being published about these two programs.
Louisiana REALTORS® believes the following to be trusted sources for information about the PPP and EIDL programs:
LOUISIANA LOAN PORTFOLIO GUARANTY PROGRAM
The Louisiana Loan Portfolio Guaranty Program offers loans of up to $100,000 to Louisiana small businesses of fewer than 100 employees that are impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The loans will require no payments for 180 days and carry below-market interest rates of no more than 3.5 percent.
The Loan Portfolio Guaranty Program is a partnership of Louisiana Economic Development, which will provide a loan guaranty fund; the Louisiana Bankers Association, whose membership will provide the loans; and the Louisiana Public Facilities Authority, which will administer the program. A total loan pool of $50 million will be disbursed to eligible small businesses across Louisiana.
More information about this program is available here: https://www.opportunitylouisiana.com/covid19/led-loan-guaranty-program?v=2
2025 Extraordinary Legislative Session Wrap-up
Discover how real estate professionals can use technology to enhance client relationships, streamline transactions, and stand out in a digital market.
Louisiana REALTORS® wraps up 2025 and looks forward to 2026! Louisiana REALTORS® gathered in Baton Rouge from October 7–8 for the 2025 Fall Governance Meetings, a dynamic two-day event filled with professional development, strategic planning and member engagement. The day before the conference offered the conclusion to the 2025 LR Leadership Program with participants graduated from the yearlong program after a half-day session. The 2025 graduates include: Torri Byrd, Shawn Carter, Bradley Cook, Stefany Deroche, Mignon Richard Díaz, Alfra Dixon, Thaddeus Dixon, Glen Elliott, Yvonne Graham, Charlotte Johnson, Michelle LaBanca, Slagle McGuffee, Ellen Monroe, Matt Noel, Ros Pack, Tiffany Pellerin, Latonia Riggs, Shannon Rodi Nash, Trish Skellham, Rebecca Slone and Charlotte St. Romain. Additionally, a sold-out, full-day AI-Powered Real Estate Professional Certification course led by industry expert Matthew Rathbun blew away attendees and had them leaving the session with such invigoration. The first official day of the conference held focus on professional development and networking. Tuesday opened with an informative session entitled Professional Liability 101 from Rice Insurance Services Center, offering critical insights into E&O and risk management. RPR's session brought a wealth information to attendees and offered a hands-on learning experience for the tools offered online. Targeted sessions like the Local AE Meeting and the YPN Advisory Council Open Meeting provided space for peer exchange and innovation. The day concluded with a festive Opening Reception sponsored by Louisiana YPN, bringing members together to celebrate and connect. The next day offered collaboration and celebration with Closing the Affordability Gap, presented by the Louisiana Housing Corporation, equipping REALTORS® with tools to better serve clients in today’s market. Regional caucuses followed, allowing members from across Louisiana to discuss local issues and share best practices. The Board of Directors Meeting brought the governance portion of the event to a close with strategic decisions for the year ahead. At the Board Meeting, Chris Brock, Northeast REALTORS® of Louisiana; Trish Leleux, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; Synde Devillier, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Scott McCubbin, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Amber Morrow, Greater Fort Polk Area REALTORS®; and David Moses, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; were elected as 2026 At-Large Directors. The grand finale? A spirited LSU Pregame Fan Experience and the highly anticipated Installation Ceremony, where new leadership was formally welcomed in a celebration of community and commitment. Louisiana REALTORS® looks forward to hosting REALTORS® from around the state at the Winter Leadership Conference, March 3-4, 2026, at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. We would like to thank our sponsors Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS® (GBRAR) , Zillow , Dax Roy Appraisals, Supra, American Home Shield, Guard Home Warranty fo r their generous support in helping make this conference happen!
