MONTPELIER — As the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) opens the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application portal to lenders, the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) is encouraging businesses to review program specifics, speak with their trusted lender, and apply for this latest round of financial support. 
More than $284 billion has been allocated to this program nationally. 
“As we continue to see the economic impact of COVID-19 on our communities, the PPP program is another tool to help businesses survive this unprecedented time,” said ACCD Secretary Lindsay Kurrle. “We encourage all businesses to explore requirements and eligibility soon as this is a first come, first served program. We also want to thank all those Vermont lenders who stand ready to assist our business community in accessing these funds.” 
On Friday, Jan. 15, the portal was opened to lenders with $1 billion or less in assets for First and Second Draw applications. The portal fully opened on Tuesday, Jan. 19, to all participating PPP lenders to submit First and Second Draw loan applications to SBA. 
Businesses can learn more learn more about First and Second draw loans at the SBA website, sba. gov/ppp. Last week ACCD and the SBA held a webinar to discuss the program, eligibility, and application process. A recording of that webinar is available at the ACCD Business Recovery Resource Center, at tinyurl.com/ VtSBAwebinar. 
If a business doesn’t have a trusted lender, the Vermont Economic Development Authority stands ready to assist those in need of help navigating the program specifics and applications.