Paycheck Protection Program
Woman preparing packages for her small business
Help is here for your business.
SBA Paycheck Protection Program
Taking care of our customers is our top priority. We understand this is an incredibly stressful time for our business customers and that is why Commerce is working to keep you informed about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”).
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About the Paycheck Protection Program
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was signed into law on Friday, March 27th. The act includes a provision for SBA loans to businesses meeting certain qualifications with loan forgiveness and payment deferral relief options.The CARES Act introduces a new SBA loan program, called the Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP"). This economic relief program provides access to capital for businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and includes loan forgiveness and payment deferral relief options. These loans are originated through SBA 7(a) lenders, including Commerce Bank.
Your business may be eligible for this program if you are experiencing a temporary loss of revenue due to COVID-19. The Paycheck Protection Program may help your business cover payroll and expenses such as benefits, mortgage, lease, and utilities from February 15, 2020 through June 30, 2020. By applying for the Payment Protection Program, you are certifying that the current economic uncertainty makes a loan request necessary to support your ongoing operations.
To address potential fraud and other security concerns, our efforts are focused on servicing our customers who have established Commerce Bank business deposit accounts prior to the inception date of the Paycheck Protection Program. If you do not have a Commerce Bank business deposit account, we suggest that you reach out to the financial institution that holds that account, as we want you to have the most secure and efficient path to accessing the Paycheck Protection Program. As always, please connect with your Commerce representative for any additional information.
Resources to help you get started.
SBA Business Size Standards
Review business size and industry NAICS code standards that qualify a business for SBA programs.
Get detailsApplication Checklist
Gather the recommended documentation to prepare for your application.
Get detailsSBA Disaster Loans
In addition to PPP, learn more about Disaster Assistance options directly through the SBA.
Get detailsTreasury Department FAQs
Frequently asked questions answered by the SBA and U.S. Department of Treasury.
Get detailsLoan Forgiveness
In order to apply for PPP loan forgiveness, you must apply with the bank or financial organization that assisted with your PPP loan. If your business received a PPP loan through Commerce Bank, you will be notified when you may initiate a digital application for loan forgiveness. In order to streamline the loan forgiveness process, please verify your contact information. To prepare for loan forgiveness, please view our FAQs and the SBA Application and Instructions.
This information is based on current available information and is subject to change, based on continued SBA guidance. Be sure to check this site regularly as we will provide updates as they become available.
Resources to help you with loan forgiveness.
SBA Application and Instructions
Get prepared for your PPP Loan Forgiveness application with Commerce Bank by reviewing SBA borrower instructions and a sample application.
Get detailsLoan Forgiveness FAQs
The latest Small Business Administration (SBA) guidance on loan forgiveness.
Get details about the Loan Forgiveness FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my business is eligible?
Any business concern, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is tax exempt under 501(a), 501(c)(19) veterans’ organization that is tax exempt under 501(a) or Tribal business meeting the below eligibility requirements:
- Business must have 500 or less employees to participate (includes full-time, part-time and those employed on other basis); or
- Must meet the employee size standard established by the SBA for the industry in which the entity operates if larger.
- Special affiliation rule waivers for businesses in the hospitality and dining industries, franchisees holding a franchise listed on the SBA’s registry of approved franchise agreements, or a business that receives assistance from a company licensed under a specific portion of the Small Business Investment Act.
What are the requirements to obtain the PPP loan?
- The loan is needed to continue operations during the COVID-19 emergency;
- Funds will be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or make mortgage, lease, and utility payments;
- The applicant does not have any other application pending under this program for the same purpose; and
- From February 15, 2020 through December 31, 2020, the applicant has not received duplicative amounts for the same purposes though another loan under Section 7(a).
- A lender must consider whether the borrower was operating on February 15, 2020 and had employees or independent contractors for whom the borrower paid.
How can I apply PPP funds to my business?
- Payroll costs (certain exclusions apply)
- Costs of continued group health care benefits during periods of paid sick, medical, or family leave
- Salaries, commissions or similar compensations
- Payments of interest on mortgage obligations
- Rent/lease agreement payments
- Utilities
- Interest on any other debt obligations incurred before the covered period
How does the loan work?
- SBA guarantee and ongoing servicing fees are waived.
- 100% loan guaranty
- Maximum loan amount of $10MM
- Loan amount determined by borrower’s total average monthly payroll costs (excluding independent contractors for non-independent contractor applicants) for the most recent 12 months (excluding compensation above $100,000/year employees), times 2.50, plus the outstanding amount of any SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) between January 31, 2020 and the date that Payment Protection Program loans are available to refinance the EIDL loans (alternative loan amount calculations available for seasonal employer or entities that were not in operation between February 15, 2019 and June 30, 2019).
- No collateral or personal guarantees are permitted to be required.
- No credit elsewhere test
What does ‘debt forgiveness’ mean?
The Program provides for possible debt forgiveness of eligible expenses of small businesses. The below information is a summary of description of important aspects of the debt forgiveness process, but is not an exhaustive list of all requirements or details of the process.
- This process provides the opportunity for indebtedness to be forgiven, and not taxed in an amount (not to exceed the principal amount of the loan) equal to the following costs incurred and payments made during the covered period (the 8-week period beginning on the date the covered loan is funded):
- Payroll costs
- Interest payments on mortgages
- Rent
- Utility payments
- Forgiveness amounts will be reduced for any employee cuts or reductions in wages. To substantiate their fixed expenses, borrowers will have to provide source documentation for payroll expenses, rent and mortgage payments, and utility expenses as well as proof of payment for those expenses to the lender that is servicing the loan. If the expenses are approved, the SBA will purchase that portion of the debt from the bank and reduce the borrower’s loan principal. Forgiveness may not be provided for expenses that do not qualify under one of the above listed expense categories.
Additional FAQs and the Loan Forgiveness application instructions can help you prepare for applying for debt forgiveness on your PPP loan.
What are the terms of the loan?
- Fixed interest rate of 1%
- All loan payments deferred for a minimum of 6 months
- Maximum loan term of 2 years
Is Commerce servicing PPP loans for new customers to the bank?
In an effort to prevent potential fraud and address other security concerns, our efforts are focused on servicing our customers who have established Commerce Bank business deposit accounts prior to the inception date of the Paycheck Protection Program. If you do not have a Commerce Bank business deposit account, we suggest that you reach out to the financial institution that currently holds that for you as we want you to have the most secure and efficient path to accessing funds through the Paycheck Protection Program. As always, please connect with your Commerce representative for any additional information.
