Good afternoon,
First and foremost, I hope you, your family, and your employees are healthy and safe. In these uncertain times, we have heard from thousands of you, through our state directors, webinars, Legal Center, grassroots and sales teams, and we understand the unprecedented situation in which you find your business.
I want you to know that NFIB is working around the clock to get you the information and resources to help you make crucial decisions for businesses. Our team has worked very hard to ensure that big business is not the only focus in Washington, and that policymakers remember that half of our economy is small business.
Tomorrow, April 3rd, small businesses and sole proprietors will be able to start applying for loans through the Paycheck Protection Program. NFIB worked hard to make sure this program works for small businesses, and the program was expanded in the Senate to provide small business owners with forgivable loans to cover eight weeks of payroll, benefits, rent, lease payments, utilities, and mortgage interest. Many of you stepped up to tell your stories to Congress, and this had a significant impact in helping NFIB shape the small business assistance provisions.
Already, the Treasury Department is advising you “to apply as quickly as you can because there is a funding cap.” We are monitoring the process to assist small business owners with any challenges faced when applying for these programs. In this email, you’ll find information about a webinar we are conducting, tomorrow, on how to apply for a COVID-19 small business loan. On NFIB.com, we are regularly reporting on legislative developments and the resources available for you as small business owners.
It is only with the support of the hundreds of thousands of small businesses across the country that we are able to continue this work. Throughout this process, we’ve been asked by so many of you, “I need help, but I want to help. What can I do to further the cause of small business?”
Here are a few things you can do.
First, NFIB relies on strength in numbers. As Congress debated both helpful stimulus and harmful mandates, you contacted your elected officials at an astonishing rate, telling them what you needed to keep your business going. This fight is far from over. Please visit our advocacy center to thank those that voted in favor of small business. This is also where you can make your voice heard and shape future legislation.
Second, unlike many of the big business groups with deep pockets, we rely on those who entrust us with their valuable dollars to advocate on their behalf. For that, I can’t thank you enough. We want to make sure that other small business owners can benefit from NFIB’s resources and information. Please share our documents and guides with your fellow small business owners so that they too can access programs and assistance to help their businesses through this difficult economic period.
Small business owners have seen troubled times before and have emerged even stronger. NFIB is here for you. We will make sure you get the crucial information and resources you need, and we will continue as your strong voice in Washington, D.C. and in all 50 state capitals.
Thank you for your membership, and for all you do for our country and your communities.
Brad
