Changes to the City’s Proof of Vaccination Ordinance

This is an update from the City of Oakland’s Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWDD):

“At its meeting on Tuesday, May 17, the Oakland City Council voted unanimously to adopt changes to the Proof of Vaccination Ordinance. As of that date, the requirement to show proof of vaccination to enter most indoor public locations was lifted.

However, entry to Senior Adult Care Facilities and City of Oakland Senior Centers still requires proof of vaccination. While the requirement to show proof of vaccination to enter indoor events was removed, the revised Ordinance requires patrons attending a large indoor event (2,500 or more attendees) to wear a mask.”

See additional details on the changes at: www.oaklandca.gov/VaxOrdinance

Keep It Oakland Spotlights: LGBTQIA+ Pride (Sign Up by June 1st)

Each month OIA and Keep It Oakland work together to feature our indie business members based on a monthly theme -- June 2022 is LGBTQIA+ Pride.

LGBTQIA+ owned businesses, @keepitoakland.town wants to spotlight you next month!

There is no cost for this, it's free :-) Please fill out and submit this form before Wednesday, June 1st.

Thank you!

Sign Up Here

Measure C Supports Oakland Libraries

Measure C is an extension of a parcel tax approved by voters in 2004 to support Oakland libraries and is on the June 7th ballot. Measure C does not increase taxes and currently accounts for almost 40 % of the library's budget. Oakland libraries are vital community centers supporting children, teens, seniors, small business owners and so many more.

Measure C will:

• Provide safe places and protect after-school programs to keep students engaged and prepare them for college and careers.

• Prevent library closures and preserve extended hours to serve students, seniors, and working families.

• Keep libraries safe, clean and welcoming.

• Maintain literacy services.

• Improve safety of our public libraries during the pandemic and beyond.

• Increase computer and internet access for all.

Measure C funds can be spent only for Oakland Public Libraries; the City cannot spend this money for any other purpose. Measure C is temporary and cannot be extended without a new vote of the people. The measure includes exemptions for low-income seniors and residents, community oversight, and regular independent audits.

More info at protectoaklandlibraries.org

Election Day is June 7 - Ballots will be mailed to Oakland voters the week of May 9.

Microbusiness Grants from the Chabot - Las Positas Community College District (Closes August 12th at 5PM)

The California Office of the Small Business Advocate has awarded funding to the Chabot - Las Positas Community College District for the Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program to provide grants to microbusinesses in the counties of Alameda, Amador, Contra Costa, and El Dorado.

This program will provide grants of $2,500 to microbusiness (businesses that have fewer than 5 employees and earn less than $50,000 per year) that were in operation in 2019, still in operation, and were impacted by the COVID-19 public health restrictions.

Application Period: May 17, 2022 to August 12, 2022 (closes at 5:00 PM)

More info and apply here.

Senate Pledges Vote to Replenish RRF

From Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs of the National Restaurant Association:

“Big news from Washington – Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pledged that the Senate next week will vote to begin debate on a $48 billion bill that would fully fund the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF).

 As you know, we just hosted over 600 operators here in DC, bringing them face-to-face with Capitol Hill lawmakers.  We have taken Leader Schumer’s announcement, spoken with key Democrats and Republicans, and the substance of the state-of-play is in my latest Washington Update.

We have resisted saying “this is the week” to you for almost a year now, but it is truly accurate this time.  Everyone in Washington knows the need for replenishing RRF, but they need to hear your urgency to make it a priority. 

If you have engaged your Senators, thank you – and please consider contacting them again. 

More to come from us and our state restaurant association partners next week.  Thank you for everything you’re doing.”

TELL YOUR SENATORS TO REPLENISH THE RRF

Vendor Registration for Oakland Zoo's fundraising event "Walk in the Wild" (Deadline May 15th)

From Oakland Zoo:

Vendor Registration is Open to Participate in Walk in the Wild: Saturday, June 25

Greetings!

Are you ready to be part of our Epicurean Escapade? Oakland Zoo is excited that Walk in the Wild is back and invites you to join us as a participating vendor for this fabulous fundraising event on Saturday, June 25, 2022.

Walk in the Wild is Oakland Zoo’s signature ticketed event where guests sample donated product from local top chefs and restaurants, microbreweries, and renowned wineries. With all this plus delectable desserts and dancing under the stars, it is no wonder that this event sells out every year. With this year being the Zoo's 100-year birthday, we are planning a party that will be the talk of the town. We hope you will contribute to the delicious magic of Walk in the Wild – it truly is an epicurean escapade!

As a participating vendor, you will showcase your donated cuisine or libations to 1,500 foodies excited about sampling your fare while raising money for Oakland Zoo – a leader in animal welfare, climate justice, and education. This year’s event will celebrate Oakland Zoo’s education programs for learners of all ages; like our ZooSchool Field Trips and educator resources, California Trail Climate Literacy Project, ZooCamp, Teen Wildlife Guides, Conservation Pathways Internships and Docent training.

As a gesture of appreciation for the community-based businesses supporting Walk in the Wild for almost 30 years, Oakland Zoo is investing $20,000 in community grants for our participating Walk in the Wild vendors this year. Distributed in eight grants of $2,500 each, the grants will support the restaurants, wineries, breweries, and bakeries that contribute to the rich cultural fabric of Oakland and the East Bay. Grantees will be drawn at random on May 15 from the list of vendors who have completed application forms for Walk in the Wild by that time, and funds will be distributed the day of Walk in the Wild, June 25. We at Oakland Zoo truly appreciate the support we receive from our local businesses and community members, and want to give some of that support back as we celebrate our centennial anniversary this year. Chosen grantees must have all required paperwork submitted and be actively sampling at the event to receive their check.

Walk in the Wild is a unique opportunity to meet new potential customers incentivized to seek you out as fellow supporters of the Zoo. In appreciation of your donation, your business will be recognized on our website as well as in event emails and the event program. You will feel great about supporting Oakland Zoo, where 883,000 visitors a year come to connect to wildlife and nature.

Learn more about the benefits and requirements of participating in Walk in the Wild as a vendor here. To fill out the online vendor participation form, click here.

Questions? Please feel free to reach out to our vendor coordinator, Sarah Kidder via email at skidder@oaklandzoo.org or phone: 510.336.4613.

Thank you for your support of Oakland Zoo. We look forward to your being a part of this special event.

Industry Kick-Off to Celebrate Oakland Cocktail Week on May 2nd, 6-9 PM

RSVP Here

Join Makers Mark for an industry kick-off in celebration for Cocktail Week!

When: Monday May 2, 2022

Time: 6 to 9 PM

Where: Sobre Mesa

Legal Services for Entrepreneurs: Commercial Lease Negotiation Webinar May 4th at 11AM

This commercial lease negotiation webinar will go over some of the most common problems facing Oakland small businesses, advice for working with your landlord, how to negotiate for more favorable lease provisions and a reasonable rent repayment plan if rent has accrued over the time of the pandemic. We will also offer an overview of the eviction process, offering helpful resources if you are served with a summons and complaint in an unlawful detainer eviction lawsuit.

• When: Wednesday May 4, 2022 at 11:00 AM

• This webinar will be offered in English with simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, and Cantonese.

Register Here

Support for Investing in Our Oakland: Rules & Legislation Committee meeting on April 28 at 10:30 AM

Over the past few weeks, workers, faith leaders, small business owners, and many others have spread out across the city to gather signatures for the Invest In Our Oakland ballot measure. The response has been inspiring. 

The residents of Oakland want to modernize our business tax, support small businesses and protect essential services. 

Join us in asking the City Council to put this measure on the ballot by providing public comment at the next Rules & Legislation Committee meeting on April 28 at 10:30 am. The support for Investing in Our Oakland is clear and the City Council can act now and move this measure forward. 

Merika Reagan, Owner, and Operator of City Hikes Dog Walking and Pet Sitting of Oakland shares, “Oakland’s largest businesses need to pay their fair share by investing in city services so small businesses like mine can continue to thrive.” 

Together we can move Oakland forward. Small businesses continue to be the center of our neighborhoods and as small businesses are struggling to survive, we must Invest In Our Oakland. The Invest In Our Oakland initiative cuts taxes for over 20,000 small and midsize businesses in Oakland, many of them owned by women and people of color. 

We need to act now to support small businesses in Oakland. 

We look forward to you joining us and testifying at the April 28 Rules & Legislation Committee in support of Investing in our Oakland. 

Invest In Our Oakland is a coalition of community members, workers, small business owners, and faith leaders. Join us at https://investinouroakland.com/

Small Business Week Helps Oakland Businesses: Week-long celebration features free workshops, resource fair

From May 1 to 7, 2022, Oakland will celebrate Small Business Week with more than a dozen virtual and in-person workshops and other activities for small business owners and entrepreneurs. See the full schedule and registration links at www.oaklandca.gov/SBW

"Small businesses are Oakland’s heart and soul. Our beloved local enterprises provide goods and services that allow our neighborhoods to thrive, as well as livelihoods for our residents," said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. "Small Business Week celebrates the economic, civic, and cultural importance of Oakland’s unique businesses with educational opportunities to help everyone prosper as we emerge from the pandemic."

From accessing capital to commercial lease negotiations to online market, the educational webinars and workshops presented by partner organizations are designed to help Oakland businesses to thrive as the economy emerges from the pandemic. Select webinars will be offered in Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish and Vietnamese. A resource fair highlighting available support services and a workshop on successful legacy businesses round out the week’s offerings.

OIA is leading a free workshop on Wednesday May 4th, 4 to 5:30 PM:

Using Your Network To Grow Your Online Presence
”When it comes to marketing you don't need to go it alone! You can leverage your business-owner friends, network and community to help spread the word. During this webinar, we'll talk about how we grew our Instagram to 10,000 followers organically through a repost and network-based strategy. You'll learn how to tailor your message to your audience, how to make content go further, and how to work in the spirit of collaboration over competition.”

Business owners interested in accessing the City’s business support services year-round can schedule a free, in-person appointment at one of six Neighborhood Business Assistance locations at www.oaklandca.go/BizHelp or (510) 238-7398. In addition to the year-round locations, a special pop-up location has been added on Monday, May 2, during the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Resources Fair.

Partnering organizations include the Alliance for Community Development, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area, Native American Health Center, Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, Oakland Indie Alliance, Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce, Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, TMC Community Capital, U.S. Small Business Administration's San Francisco District Office, and the Unity Council.

Restaurants Care Resilience Fund (deadline April 30th)

2022 Application Open April 15 – 30

“Restaurants Care is proud to once again partner with SoCalGas, PG&E, SDG&E to offer $3,000 grants to independent restaurants at the heart of our communities. We’re investing in two things that keep a restaurant running—kitchens and crews. Grants will be awarded to restaurants for kitchen equipment upgrades or retention bonuses.

And we’re not stopping there. Wells Fargo is powering one year of small business support services. Restaurants will have access to experts, discounts, and trainings.

Restaurants Care was created in 2017 as a safety-net for food and beverage workers, and that hasn’t stopped! Year-round we help the servers, cooks, and dishwashers at the heart of restaurants.  To learn more about hardship grants for food and beverage workers click here.”

APPLY NOW

Apply to Uptima Entrepreneur Academy by Friday April 22nd

Uptima has extended accepting applications for their Academy through Friday April 22nd!

“Commit to your business development. Our Entrepreneur Academy is a 15-month fellowship to grow your small business. Here’s how you can build your small business through our Academy:

• Develop your business plan and budget in alignment with your mission.

• Improve your marketing, sales, operations, and financial management.

• Learn how to pitch your business in any setting.

• Apply for funding from our partners

• Prepare to hire and lead a team”

Learn more and apply here.

Apply To ICA

ICA provides investment, business support, and coaching for high-potential companies ready to scale their operations and committed to creating wealth in their communities.

• The Lab at ICA is an accelerator program for early stage, high-growth companies looking to strengthen business fundamentals, scale, & get ready for capital. Qualified companies are eligible for up to $50K in investment.

• The Accelerator at ICA is our flagship program designed for later stage companies looking to implement growth, people, & investment strategies. Qualifying participants are eligible for up to $500K in investment.‍

ICA works with companies that are:

• based in the San Francisco Bay Area

• a for-profit business

• focused on strategic growth

• earning revenue and in operation for at least one year.
  

One application:
There is one application for all ICA accelerator programs, so whether you're applying to the Lab at ICA or the Accelerator, you can do it by clicking below.

To apply, click below, setup an account, and fill out the application.

Apply now!

Please reach out to ICA if you have any questions about your application.

Southeast Asian New Year Celebration on Saturday April 16, 11-3 PM

Southeast Asian New Year Celebration

Saturday April 16, 11-3pm

Oakland Asian Cultural Center

In recognition of the diversity of new year’s festivities across the Asian Pacific region, OACC presents a celebration of Asian Pacific New Year for all ages April 2022.

Enjoy in-person vendor and community booth marketplaces, cultural demos, storytelling, and artistic performances. Live Performances:

• 12:30PM: Balinese Dance and Music featuring Kompiang Davies

• 1:00PM: Kathak (Indian classical dance) Performance featuring Leela Youth Academy

• Enjoy virtual and in-person vendor and community booth marketplaces, cultural demos, storytelling, artistic performances.

OACC’s Asian Pacific New Year Celebration will also launch a BRAND-NEW COMMUNITY MAP in partnership with Cut Fruit Collective! Explore AAPI sites throughout Oakland! Pick up your physical map at OACC’s April 16th celebration AND/OR download Vibemap’s app to participate in their map challenge. Visit locations and win prizes!

Visit oacc.cc or scan the QR code for the latest details!

BLOCK PARTY - Old Oakland Celebrates Youth and Creativity on Saturday, April 16 12noon-6pm

BLOCK PARTY - Old Oakland Celebrates Youth and Creativity

Saturday, April 16 12noon-6pm

Old Oakland, Starting at 9th and Broadway

Brought to you by Civic Design Studio, E14 Gallery and Good Good Eatz

The streets of Old Oakland will come alive with vendors, activities, music and food for all ages.   Starting at 9th and Broadway,  we are showcasing the best of what Oakland youth and youth organizations have to offer! CHECK OUT OUR PAST VIDEOS and PIX!

ORGANIZATIONS include - The Crucible, Chabot Space and Science Center, Chapter 510, Youth Speaks, Prescott Circus, Rock Paper Scissors Collective, Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment, Junior Center of Art and Science, Oakland Style Lab, Hort|Culture, HKIT Architects and much more!

SCHOOLS - Oakland High, Oakland International, Fremont, Castlemont, McClymonds, Rudsdale, MetWest, Urban Promise Academy, Franklin and more!

Equitable and Progressive Business Tax: Rules & Legislation Committee meeting on April 28 at 10:30 AM

On Thursday, the Oakland City Council Rules & Legislation Committee meeting discussed placing an Equitable and Progressive Business Tax on the November ballot. Nearly 30 supporters of the Invest In Our Oakland initiative provided public comment to show the overwhelming support from workers, faith leaders, small businesses and our community that now is the time to place an Equitable and Progressive Business Tax on the ballot. 

Join us in support of small businesses and protecting essential city services by providing public comment at the next Rules & Legislation Committee meeting on April 28 at 10:30am. 

On Saturday at Eastshore Park the Invest In Our Oakland coalition hosted a rally and volunteer signature gathering event. Over 45 volunteers went out into the community to speak with neighbors, friends and supporters about the Invest In Our Oakland citizen initiative. 

We need to act now to support small businesses while providing resources for essential city services that our kids, our neighbors and our communities rely on. 
 
We look forward to you joining us and testifying at the April 28 Rules & Legislation Committee in support of Investing in our Oakland. 
 
Invest In Our Oakland is a coalition of community members, workers, small business owners, and faith leaders. Join us at https://investinouroakland.com/

Proposed Cuts to SSBCI Program and other small biz funding

CAMEO STATEMENT: Federal Cuts to State Small Business Credit Initiative Harmful for Small Business Recovery

San Francisco, April 6, 2022—For many small businesses, especially in under-resourced communities, the economic effects of the pandemic are not over. They face one new shock after another, from new variants and supply chain challenges to inflation and labor shortages. And with more new businesses forming, we should be investing in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, not cutting it.

That’s why we are shocked and concerned that the U.S. Senate has proposed defunding its commitments to small businesses in order to fund the Bipartisan COVID Supplemental Appropriations Act.  

While we are in full support of the Act’s initiatives for COVID therapeutics and antivirals, we stand in firm opposition to the Act’s proposed funding mechanism of eliminating more than $5 billion for small businesses. That is,

• $2.14 billion from the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), plus $200 million in technical assistance funds

• $1.93 billion from the SBA’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program

• $900 million from the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program

Taking money from small businesses – money that entrepreneurs and states are counting on – threatens our already shaky and unequal economic recovery. 

If enacted, these cuts will be felt hardest among the nation’s most vulnerable small businesses, including those owned by women, people of color and immigrants who have been disproportionately harmed by the pandemic and excluded from the recovery. 

Turning our back on small businesses now would be a grave mistake. 

STATUS OF BILL

Senate’s $10 billion bipartisan COVID bill hits roadblock – H.R. 4373, the Bipartisan COVID Supplemental Appropriations Act, has hit a roadblock on passing the Senate. Senate Republicans are requiring a vote on an amendment to extend a public health policy used to control the flow of immigration at the US/Mexico border during the pandemic – something many Senate Democrats oppose. This snag makes it likely the Senate will instead vote on the bill after they return from Easter recess.

TWEETS

YourORGNAME strongly opposes reducing #SSBCI funds by $2+ billion and $3 billion in cuts to other programs. We support additional funding for COVID relief, but not on the backs of #smallbusinesses. @AlexPadilla4CA @SenFeinstein

Reducing #SSBCI, #EIDL, and #ShutteredVenueGrant funds is bad for #smallbusiness, bad for jobs, and bad for America’s economic recovery. @AlexPadilla4CA @SenFeinstein
#Smallbusiness owners are the lifeline to California’s economy, the 5th largest in the world. Don't cut #SSBCI #EIDL, and #ShutteredVenueGrant funds @AlexPadilla4CA @SenFeinstein

CDFA Letter to Treasury:

Take Action
There are immediate steps you can take to advocate against cuts to the SSBCI program.

1. Read the Letter to Treasury
2. Sign-on to the Letter
3. Reach out to your SSBCI contacts at Treasury to express concern about the proposed rescissions and request a response to the recommendations submitted by CDFA and the SSBCI Coalition. You can attach or link to the Letter to Treasury for reference.

Time is of the essence as we anticipate a full vote on this proposal before the end of April. All interested SSBCI stakeholders are encouraged to voice their concerns to Treasury now. CDFA is already working with key Congressional offices to address this issue. Additional information about contacting members of Congress will be provided in the future should it be necessary.

Language Access Survey, CalSavers Retirement Savings Plan, Flex Streets Continues into 2023, Supplemental Paid Sick Leave, City Proof of Vaccination Ordinance and other Business Resources

April 8, 2022:

This is an update from the City of Oakland’s Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWDD) for businesses, nonprofits, independent contractors and our partner organizations who support them. These are just highlights of available resources. For information about worker benefits, grants, loans and support services available, please visit our Business & Worker Resource web page. The site is updated regularly as more information becomes available, so please check it often.

As evidence continues to show, vaccinations and boosters remain the best defense against the virus. Alameda County has posted an Employer Vaccination Toolkit for businesses interested in supporting their employees in getting vaccinated.

If you need individualized business assistance, remember you can book a free, 30-minute appointment at 6 different Neighborhood Business Assistance locations.

Please Take a Short Survey on Language Access

Every two years, our colleagues in Equal Access ask for feedback on language access from individuals who receive City services – including updates like this email. Please take a minute to respond to a four-question survey at: https://forms.gle/qbFLzC6TKnstCCrV8

March 26, 2022:

As evidence continues to show, vaccinations and boosters remain the best defense against the virus. Alameda County has posted an Employer Vaccination Toolkit for businesses interested in supporting their employees in getting vaccinated.

If you need individualized business assistance, remember you can book a free, 30-minute appointment at 6 different Neighborhood Business Assistance locations.

This is an update from the City of Oakland’s Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWDD) for businesses, nonprofits, independent contractors and our partner organizations who support them. These are just highlights of available resources. For information about worker benefits, grants, loans and support services available, please visit our Business & Worker Resource web page. The site is updated regularly as more information becomes available, so please check it often.

As evidence continues to show, vaccinations and boosters remain the best defense against the virus. Alameda County has posted an Employer Vaccination Toolkit for businesses interested in supporting their employees in getting vaccinated.

If you need individualized business assistance, remember you can book a free, 30-minute appointment at 6 different Neighborhood Business Assistance locations.

State Updates Guidance on Indoor Mega Events

Effective April 1, 2022, State requirements for vaccine verification or proof of negative test for Indoor Mega Events will be lifted and will move to a strong recommendation. Indoor Mega Events are large indoor events with more than 1,000 attendees. The State will continue to recommend vaccine verification or proof of negative test for Outdoor Mega Events with 10,000 attendees or more. Alameda County has aligned with the new guidance from the State.

This follows a change in State masking guidance, that took effect on March 1. The State strongly recommends that all persons, regardless of vaccination status, continue to mask while in indoor public settings and businesses. Alameda County has aligned with the State’s masking announcement.
Masks are still required in certain indoor settings, like public transit, airports, shelters and healthcare offices.

Reminder: Oakland’s Proof of Vaccination Ordinance Still in Effect

People 12 and older continue to be required to show proof that they have been vaccinated to enter many indoor facilities in Oakland. The emergency ordinance adopted by City Council, FAQs, the protocol template for businesses and other details are at: www.oaklandca.gov/VaxOrdinance.”

URGENT: Tell Members of Congress to Vote for More RRF!

From Sean Kennedy, National Restaurant Association:

The House is expected to vote on legislation to add $42 billion to the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). This vote could not come at a more critical time for the 177,000 restaurants still awaiting a relief grant from the SBA. 

The Senate appears likely to vote on a plan to partially or fully replenish the RRF, offering it as an amendment to a $10 billion COVID Preparedness bill. The vote could occur in the next few days, but more likely will be after the Senate’s upcoming two-week recess period.

I wrote to Capitol Hill leaders yesterday with a simple message:

“With the looming threat of another variant and growing challenges of inflation for both operators and consumers, the economic boost RRF will provide for those 177,000 restaurants would reach far into our communities. This should be the driving factor in bipartisan support for replenishing the RRF. These restaurants fighting for survival cannot go it alone any longer, and should not be treated as a spot in the rear-view mirror of Congress.

This will likely be the last vote Congress takes on RRF replenishment, and we owe it to those 177,000 operators to give it everything we’ve got. We are starting a new grassroots activation campaign to generate strong bipartisan support for the RRF. Will you join us?

Please take a moment to share your story with Congress by clicking on this link.

Win or lose, we cannot let this opportunity pass us by. Thank you for your continued engagement.

Sean Kennedy 

Executive Vice President of Public Affairs

National Restaurant Association

Updated Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Process

From Venturize.org:

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched a Payment Protection Program (PPP) Direct Forgiveness Portal, which will help streamline the forgiveness process for loans of $150,000 or under, and allow small business owners to apply directly through the SBA. The new forgiveness platform will begin accepting applications from borrowers on August 4, 2021 and is currently operating under an invite-only pilot period. 

Small business owners who applied for a PPP loan should be aware of the processes and requirements to apply for PPP loan forgiveness. Taking the following steps to complete the loan forgiveness process will give you peace of mind. 

Here are some key facts to consider as you navigate the process.

About the PPP Direct Forgiveness Portal

• Only some lenders will be participating in the SBA portal. Lenders may opt in to using the portal instead of handling the forgiveness process themselves.

• Only PPP borrowers with loans under $150,000 may use the SBA portal. If your loan is larger, you will need to apply for forgiveness through your bank. The SBA portal uses an electronic form equivalent to SBA Form 3508S.

• Upon receipt of notice that a borrower has applied for forgiveness through the portal, lenders will review the application and issue a forgiveness decision to the SBA, all within the portal.

• The SBA will be issuing more detailed guidance regarding

1. the process for lenders to opt-in to the direct forgiveness portal,

2. the process for borrowers with loans of $150,000 or less to access the portal and submit their loan forgiveness applications directly through the portal, and

3. the process for lenders to access the applications in the portal to perform reviews of their borrowers’ applications, issue forgiveness decisions to the SBA, and request forgiveness payments from the SBA.

• During the transition period after the launch of the direct forgiveness process, lenders that opt-in will be expected to complete the processing of any applications that have already been submitted by borrowers to the lender and should inform such borrowers not to submit a duplicate loan forgiveness application through the portal.

After the launch of the portal, borrowers will continue to submit loan forgiveness applications to their lenders, rather than through the portal, under the following circumstances: 

• The PPP lender does not opt-in to use the direct borrower forgiveness process;

• The borrower’s PPP loan amount is greater than $150,000;

• The borrower does not agree with the data as provided by the SBA system of record, or cannot validate their identity in the portal (for example, if there is an unreported change of ownership); or

• For any other reason where the portal rejects the borrower’s submission.

You can only apply through the SBA’s portal if you have not already submitted a forgiveness application with your lender..

Get in touch with your lender

The SBA began accepting forgiveness application forms on August 10, 2020. But while the SBA released its own form, borrowers may complete the forgiveness process through their lender, as they may have their own forms and requirements to process the application. Please note that some lenders have opted in to process the forgiveness process through the PPP Direct Forgiveness Portal, so make sure to get in touch with your lender to confirm their unique loan forgiveness process.

Some additional documents you may need to submit are:

• Payroll records

• Receipts and agreements for approved non-payroll costs (mortgage interest, rent, utilities)

• Other documents deemed necessary by the SBA

Be aware of the timeline

Small business owners may apply for PPP loan forgiveness at any time before the loan is due, but experts advise borrowers to initiate and complete the application forms within 10 months of having received the loan. After the initial 10 months pass, the PPP funding converts to a loan (at 1% interest rate) so you still have some time to get your application in.

How to apply

You either will apply through your bank for forgiveness or through the SBA's portal. There are three possible outcomes:

• Full forgiveness

• Partial forgiveness (some amount converts to loan)

• No forgiveness (all of it converts to loan)

Appealing for partial loan forgiveness

If your loan is partially forgiven, you can appeal through the financial institution where the PPP loan originated. 

• Keep making any payments on the loan while it's under appeal

• Your provider must notify you within 30 days that you have the right to appeal

• You must request the appeal through your PPP provider, which will automatically notify the SBA

• The SBA will decide, in its sole discretion, whether to review the loan

• When SBA selects a loan for review, the provider will receive a notice that SBA is reviewing the loan

• Reversal decisions will be notified to the lender. The lender will be responsible for reimbursing any overpayments

You may not need to complete the loan forgiveness application

PPP loans under $150,000 borrowers are only required to sign and submit a one-page SBA-approved certification to the lender. Borrowers will also need to provide a description of the number of employees retained due to the loan, and the estimated amount of the covered loan spent on payroll costs and the total loan amount. Borrowers must attest that they complied with PPP loan requirements, including that at least 60 percent of the funds were spent on payroll.

The SBA announced on July 6, 2021 that it would eliminate the loan necessity review for PPP loans of $2 million or more, and said further guidance would be forthcoming.

Who qualifies for the EZ Forgiveness Form?

Certain borrowers are eligible to fill out the EZ Form, which is a simplified loan forgiveness form. Borrowers are eligible to fill out the EZ form if they meet one of the following criteria:

• Are self-employed and have no employees; OR

• Did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%, AND did not reduce the number or hours of their employees; OR

• Experienced reductions in business activity as a result of health directives related to COVID-19, AND did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%.

For more information and to see the frequently asked questions on loan forgiveness, visit the U.S. Small Business Administration's FAQ about PPP Loan Forgiveness.