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Provider Financial Support & Resources

All of us are facing very uncertain times and challenges. At Arkansas Health & Wellness, we are dedicated to working closely with our partners and providing information, resources, and assistance that will help identify solutions for many of these challenges.

The United States Congress passed a landmark stimulus package, known as the CARES Act, which directs financial assistance and relief in the form of Economic Injury and Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and a Paycheck Protection Program. 

The economic impact of the novel coronavirus on the economy is devastating. You, the provider, are on the front line and immediate economic relief is essential. There is a great deal of information and unfortunately, confusion, surrounding exactly how a small business can accurately apply and qualify for this assistance in a quick and expedient manner. It is our goal to help you navigate this process.

We have secured the services of a national consulting firm to assist in educating and bringing valuable and necessary information to provide an overview of the programs and the application process. Our consultant, Hector Barreto, former Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, has been engaged to guide these efforts. As SBA Administrator, Barreto oversaw a loan portfolio in excess of $60 billion and managed the agency’s assistance to thousands of small businesses following disasters such as the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center and Hurricane Katrina. Based in California, Administrator Barreto is a past Chair and longtime board member of one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in the United States. His knowledge and experience in healthcare and the Small Business Administration is an invaluable resource to our provider partners.

The information provided does not represent all of the information available or that you may need for making your financial decisions or completing your application. The Federal and State government(s) are best able to provide resources and assistance. We recommend that you contact your financial institution or advisor before making any financial decisions.

Webinars

Presentations will provide an overview and direction to the stimulus package, available financial programs and assistance, and information on how to apply for loans and grants.

Webinars will be targeted to Safety Net providers including, but not limited to:

  • Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
  • Behavioral health providers and community-based behavioral health organizations
  • Centers for Independent Living (CILs)
  • Long-term service and supports organizations operating on the front lines of the pandemic

Recorded webinars will be available here soon. 

Whether you participate in a webinar or simply review this page for facilitating the education of the CARES Act and application for an SBA Loan or Paycheck Protection Plan, you will need to understand more about each program. Here is an overview of these two major programs:

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs)

The CARES Act temporarily expands eligibility for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs).

  • What: An emergency loan program for federal disasters expanded to specifically include COVID-19. This program offers up to $2 million in assistance for fixed debts, payroll, and other account expenses with an interest rate of 3.75 percent for small businesses and 2.75 percent for nonprofits. 

  • Changes: The CARES Act opened EIDLs to more types of small businesses, made it easier to apply, and EIDLs smaller than $200,000 can be approved without a personal guarantee. 

  • Grants: Through the SBA Economic Injury Emergency Grant Program, businesses can receive an emergency advance of up to $10,000 for small businesses and private nonprofits harmed by COVID-19 within three days of applying for an SBA EIDL. 

  • How to access: Applicants must first apply for an EIDL and then request the advance. The advance does not need to be repaid under any circumstance, and may be used to keep employees on payroll, to pay for sick leave, meet increased production costs due to supply chain disruptions, or pay business obligations, including debts, rent, and mortgage payments. (Special conditions apply, including maintaining employees.)

  • Who is eligible: Small businesses with fewer than 500 employees (including sole proprietors with or without employees), independent contractors, cooperatives and employee-owned businesses, private nonprofits, and tribal small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

  • How to apply - SBA Resources:

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

    • What: Provides small businesses with funds in the form of loans to pay up to eight (8) weeks of payroll costs, including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.

    • When available: Small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply on April 3, 2020. Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply. (Check specific rules regarding application and financial institution requirements.)

    • Who is eligible: Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees—including nonprofits, veterans' organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors—are eligible. Businesses with more than 500 employees are eligible in certain industries.
      Applicants are being restricted based upon certain criteria of when applicants were in business and service of employees. For example, businesses will be able to apply if they were harmed by COVID-19 between February 15, 2020, and June 30, 2020. This program is retroactive to February 15, 2020, in order to help bring workers who may have already been laid off back onto payrolls. Loans are available through June 30, 2020. Other restrictions apply and can be addressed in webinars and consultations, or applicants can seek qualification through other information available through the SBA and Treasury Department.

    • Paycheck Protection Plan Conditions: Loans are available up to $10 million 100% loan forgiveness, only if a business sustains its pre-COVID-19 payroll levels through June 30, 2020. Loans can be forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll).

    • Other: 
      • No collateral or personal guarantees are required.
      • Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.
      • Applicants are eligible to apply for both an EIDL and PPP.
         
    • How to apply: Apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating. Many lenders are ONLY processing applications with customers currently holding loans with their institution. 

    • Resources from the U.S. Department of the Treasury:

    Resources