The Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application. The form and instructions inform borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans, consistent with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). SBA will also soon issue regulations and guidance to further assist borrowers as they complete their applications, and to provide lenders with guidance on their responsibilities.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) remains focused on carrying out its critical mission of advocating for the nation’s 13 million women-owned businesses. The Council recognizes the ongoing commitment of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in ensuring women business owners have access to opportunities to start and grow their business, and in times of crisis, to keep their business afloat. Smaller, community lenders have undoubtedly been at the forefront of providing business owners with the capital they need to keep their employees on payroll and sustain overhead costs.

For that reason, NWBC recently hosted a webinar titled ‘Community Lending Key to Main Street Recovery: Resources and Lessons Learned for Female Founders.’ The webinar included guest speakers Jill Castilla, President and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond in Oklahoma and NWBC Council Member Jessica Flynn, Founder & CEO of Red Sky, a strategic communications firm in Boise, Idaho.

The SBA is hiring temporary employees to assist with disaster relief efforts during these unprecedented times. The positions include:

May is Military Appreciation Month and we're saluting all who serve to keep America safe. Learn about SBA programs and resources that help transitioning service members succeed in their next mission of entrepreneurship.

Do you know about the upcoming changes to the WOSB Federal Contracting Program certification process?

The Office of Inspector General recognizes that we are facing unprecedented times and is alerting the public about potential fraud schemes related to economic stimulus programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration in response to the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the largest financial assistance bill to date, includes provisions to help small businesses. Fraudsters have already begun targeting small business owners during these economically difficult times.  Be on the lookout for grant fraud, loan fraud, and phishing.

State, local, and federal agencies are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Check out coronavirus.gov for updates from the White House's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Task Force. Go to cdc.govfor detailed information about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Offices around the country may be closed to the Coronavirus pandemic, but SCORE, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers and other resource partners are providing free business mentoring and training by phone, email, and video.

SBA district and regional offices are offering webinars about Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

These webinars explain SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and how you can apply for disaster assistance.