COVID-19 Business Resources


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COVID-19 HOTLINE: (830) 221-4222
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

  1. Federal Small Business Assistance
  2. Private Business Assistance and Grants
  3. Texas Workforce Commission Resources
  4. SPARK Small Business Center Counseling
  5. Media & Publications

Federal Small Business Assistance Programs

The recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides relief for small businesses that are experiencing trouble covering payroll and operating expenses because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new law creates a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan program, called the “Paycheck Protection Program”, that expands benefits and eligibility for SBA disaster loans, covers payments on existing SBA loans, and provides loan forgiveness options.

SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

  • The Paycheck Protection Program aims to help employers retain employees during this emergency. This program provides loans to small businesses, self-employed, and sole proprietors and non-profits to cover 2.5 months of salary and benefits for employees.
  • You can apply for the program at any lending institution that is approved to participate in the program through the existing U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) lending program.  There are hundreds of banks that already participate in SBA lending, including many national and regional banks.  Please check with your existing bank or one of the many in New Braunfels.  
  • For more information on this program, please click here. 

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) & Grants

  • The EIDL program provides low interest federal disaster loans intended to provide working capital to small businesses impacted by disasters such as the Covid-19 crisis.  
  • EIDLs may be used to pay for expenses that could have been met had the disaster not happened, including payroll and other operating expenses. 
  • EIDL Applicant Advance (Grant) The CARES Act also permits applicants to request an advance of up to $10,000 to pay allowable working capital needs. This advance is essentially a grant and is not required to be repaid, even if the application is denied, but the amount of the advance must be deducted from any loan forgiveness amounts under a PPP loan, described above. 
  • For more information or to apply for the loan, please click here.

SBA Express Bridge Loans

These loans allow small business who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can be used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct EIDL described above.  If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.  

Find an Express Bridge Loan Lender by contacting the local SBA District office at 210-403-5900, by email at sado.email@sba.gov or visit their San Antonio district’s website here. 

Existing SBA Borrower Debt Relief

he SBA Debt Relief program will provide a reprieve to small businesses as they overcome the challenges created by this health crisis.

Under this program:

  • The SBA will also pay the principal and interest of new 7(a) loans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
  • The SBA will pay the principal and interest of current 7(a) loans for a period of six months.

For helpful information on gathering documents needed to apply for SBA assistance, please click here.