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Small businesses and independent contractors in Wake County that have lost revenue due to COVID-19 can now apply for loans to help plan for the future.

The application period for Wake Forward officially opened at noon today. People who are interested can visit the Wake Forward website for information on how to apply.

“Local businesses and their employees have been hit hard by the effects of COVID-19, and the goal of this program is to help them find a way forward,” Wake County Board of Commissioners Chairman Greg Ford said. “During this time of uncertainty, Wake Forward provides immediate support for our small businesses and proprietors – as well as hope and stability for our entire community.”

Wake Forward will provide loans of up to $50,000 to small businesses that are located in Wake County and have up to 100 full-time employees. Of the $5 million in available funds, $4 million is earmarked for small businesses, and at least $1 million will support independent contractors and sole proprietors.

Small business owners who receive loans through the program will make no payments for six months. They will then be responsible for paying the principal, along with interest payments at 5.5%, for the following 48 months. There is no penalty for paying loans back early.

Wake County Economic Development has created a business coalition to spread the word about the available loans.

“The announcement of the Wake Forward small business program reinforces that county leadership is dedicated to helping support the small business community,” said Danya Perry, director of equitable economic development, Wake County Economic Development, and director of diversity, equity, and inclusivity for the Raleigh Chamber. “Small businesses and sole proprietors are an important part of our ecosystem and provide goods and services that keep our community functioning. Providing support to these business owners, especially the historically underrepresented, is a big step in moving forward.”

The N.C. Rural Economic Development Center will administer Wake Forward as part of the N.C. COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loans program, and the same terms will apply.

Funding for Wake Forward comes from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which provided $194 million to support Wake County’s response to COVID-19.

For a full list of criteria to qualify, visit wakegov.com/wakeforward or call 919-212-4950.

 

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Small Businesses In Wake County Can Apply For Up To $50K In Business Loans  was originally published on foxync.com