The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan provides vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This program is for any small business with less than 500 employees (including sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed persons), private non-profit organization or 501(c)(19) veterans organizations affected by COVID-19. Businesses in certain industries may have more than 500 employees if they meet the SBA’s size standards for those industries. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance funds will be made available within days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid. The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has graciously agreed to speak with FCIA members regarding these programs and application processes. We welcome Kathy Cook, Public Affairs Specialist for Field Operations in the East, and David Hincapie, Economic Development Specialist for the Washington Metropolitan Area District Office , who will lead the conversation. They will provide a brief overview of the programs and then answer your specific questions.