COVID-19 News Category: Eligibility for Government Programs

The USDA will offer $16 billion in direct payments to farmers affected by COVID-19. As the agency prepares to open the application process, it has released a toolkit to help interested farms prepare to apply. Two important notes: you must be prepared to document your losses, and you need to be discussing your potential application … Continued

With more than $600 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans that are potentially forgivable, nearly all small business owners have one major question: How do I get my loan forgiven? This week the Small Business Administration (SBA) has released its first guidance on that subject along with the application for forgiveness. Both can be … Continued

Click below for information on funds still available for the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. SBA Disaster Assistance Update SBA PPP Report 2nd Round  

On April 29th, the SBA released its latest guidance and answers to Frequently Asked Questions (READ HERE). Question #33 speaks to this issue: “Question:  Is there existing guidance to help PPP applicants and lenders determine whether an individual employee’s principal place of residence is in the United States? Answer:  PPP applicants and lenders may consider … Continued

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has released another document of guidance on its Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The FAQ document includes confirmation that agricultural businesses are eligible for PPP. It includes clarification on what non-cash payroll items can be counted toward a PPP Loan such as health care costs, retirement contributions and state and local taxes. … Continued

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has released new rules governing the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for businesses that use seasonal workers. The new rules help seasonal employers calculate the best loan amount they are able to receive. You can read the rules here: Interim Final Rule on Additional Criterion for Seasonal Employers

On Friday, April 17th, USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) that will provide $19 billion in aid to farms impacted by COVID-19. USDA is expected to release guidelines including eligibility for the aid in coming weeks. NAGA sent a letter to Secretary Perdue explaining how gamebird businesses have been impacted by COVID-19 … Continued

On Thursday, April 23rd, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed legislation allocating $310 billion more for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and $10 billion more for Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Grants. PPP Loans are likely forgivable as long as recipients abide by the guidelines provided by the Small Businesses Administration (SBA). The Emergency Grants can be … Continued

QUESTION:  Are people who raise gamebirds as a side business eligible for PPP or EIDL? ANSWER:  If the small-scale farmer is a sole proprietor, he/she should go the self-employed independent contractor PPP route, bringing the proper documentation (possibly Form 1040 records of farm income would be the best proof to establish “payroll”). If the small-scale farmer … Continued

QUESTION:  Can PPP or EIDL funds be used to make up the difference between the cost of raising a bird and the cost a bird was sold for as a result of COVID-19?   ANSWER: Short Answer:  The answer for PPP loans is, “No, a person can’t use PPP loan proceeds to pay for revenue reductions, but … Continued