LA CARES Corps - Connecting L.A. Businesses to Federal SBA Loans during COVID-19

updated August 2021

What is the CARES Act?
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the U.S. Small Business Administration currently provides financial assistance to small businesses through the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
A low-interest long-term loan
EIDLs are loans of up to $2 million with a 3.75% interest rate for businesses and a 2.75% interest rate for nonprofits with terms of up to 30 years.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
A loan program that provides loan forgiveness for retaining employees
The PPP is a 100% federally guaranteed loan to help small businesses keep workers on payroll for a period of 8 to 24 weeks during this crisis. The loans can be up to $2 million with a 1.0% interest rate with a term of five years. It will be fully forgiven if at least 60% of the entire loan is allocated towards payroll, remaining funds are used for eligible uses, and employment and compensation levels are maintained.


NOTE: Borrowers may apply for both loan options as long as there is no duplication in the uses of funds
LOAN TERMS ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN (EIDL) PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP)*
*The Paycheck Protection Program ended on May 31, 2021. Existing borrowers may be eligible for PPP LOAN FORGIVENESS.
Program Type Loan Forgivable Loan
Who is Eligible
  • Businesses with 500 or fewer employees*
  • Sole proprietorships
  • Independent contractors
  • Self-employed
  • Private Non-profits
  • 501(c)(19) Veterans Organizations

  • * Businesses in certain industries may have more than 500 employees if they meet the SBA’s Size Standards
  • Any small business that meets SBA’s Size Standards*
  • Sole proprietorships
  • Independent contractors
  • Self-employed
  • 501(c)(3) Non-profits
  • 501(c)(19) Veterans Organizations
  • Tribal businesses with 500 employees or that meet SBA Size Standards

  • Second Draw borrowers (borrowers applying for a second loan) are eligible if they have less than 300 employees and can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020


  • * Either the industry based sized standard or the alternative size standard of 500 or less employees
Eligible Uses fixed debts (rent, etc.), payroll, accounts payable, and other operating expenses Payroll costs including benefits as well as mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020, and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations.
Interest Rate 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for nonprofits 1%
Loan Size up to $2 million up to 2.5 x average monthly payroll cost for up to $2 million
up to 3.5 x average monthly payroll for Accommodation and Food Services sector
Loan Term up to 30 years 2 years (loans issued prior to June 5) - 5 years (loans issued after June 5)
Repayment Deferral 12 months Deferred for borrowers who apply for loan forgiveness until SBA remits the borrower's loan forgiveness amount to the lender. If a borrower does not apply for loan forgiveness, payments are deferred 10 months after the end of the covered period for the borrower’s loan forgiveness (either 8 weeks or 24 weeks).
Fees none none
Collateral no collateral is required for loans of $25,000 or less none
Personal Guarantees up to $200,000 can be approved without a personal guarantee none
Forgivable portion up to $10,000 grant if used for authorized reasons
(advance funds have been fully allocated and are not currently available)
all IF at least 60% is used on payroll and remainder on eligible uses
(also based on employer maintaining/rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels)
Expiration Date Rolling June 30, 2021

Ready to Apply?

APPLY for EIDL

APPLY for PPP
*NOTICE: the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ended on May 31, 2021. Existing borrowers may be eligible for PPP Loan Forgiveness.

Need Help Applying for SBA Loans?
Contact the LA County Business and Worker Disaster Help Center
  • Visit: LACountyHelpCenter.org
  • Call: 833-238-4450
  • Engage on social media: @LACHelpCenter on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For assistance applying for a City or State loan, please contact a BusinessSource Center for phone and email support.


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