Coronavirus

EDA: $1.25 Million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance Invested to Expand Fairview Regional Medical Center in Fairview, OK

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.25 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to the city of Fairview, Oklahoma, to assist in the expansion of the outpatient therapy department of Fairview Regional Medical Center. This EDA grant, to be matched with $336,199 in…

EDA: $500,000 in CARES Act Recovery Assistance Invested to Support Safe Businesses Reopening Efforts in Redmond, WA

Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $500,000 CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to OneRedmond, Redmond, Washington, to provide technical assistance needed to help coronavirus-impacted small businesses reopen safely and successfully. This EDA grant, to be matched with $160,000 in local investment, is expected to create or retain 2,000…

Census Bureau: Small Business Pulse Survey Phase 4 Weekly Data Released

The U.S. Census Bureau today released new data from the fourth phase of the Small Business Pulse Survey (SBPS). Data collection began Feb. 15. Results will be released weekly Feb. 25 to April 22. The SBPS includes questions on topics such as location closings, changes in employment, disruptions in the supply chain, the use of federal assistance initiatives such…

SBA: American Rescue Plan Act Elevates Small Business Support in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

Statement from SBA Senior Advisor Michael Roth Upon President Biden signing the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 into law, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Senior Advisor Michael Roth stated:  “The American Rescue Plan Act enables the SBA to continue to lift up the cornerstones of our communities; the mom-and-pop businesses and nonprofits that provide essential services for…

FHFA: COVID-Related Loan Flexibilities Further Extended Until April 30, 2021

Some flexibilities expected to be retired on April 30, 2021 The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced today that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) will extend temporary loan origination flexibilities until April 30, 2021. The temporary flexibilities are designed to ensure continued support for borrowers during the COVID-19 pandemic. All temporary flexibilities were…

Census Bureau: Household Pulse Survey Phase 3 Biweekly Data Released

The U.S. Census Bureau today released new data from the extension of the third phase of the experimental Household Pulse Survey. The extension includes intent-to-vaccinate and stimulus payment questions. The Household Pulse Survey is the result of an effort by the Census Bureau and other federal statistical agencies to document temporal trends in how individuals are experiencing…

SBA: Changes to Paycheck Protection Program by Biden-Harris Administration Increases Equitable Access to Relief

Early indications show program reforms and efforts to engage with communities authentically are working in meaningful ways. Two weeks ago, the Biden-Harris Administration made several reforms to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to further ensure small businesses get the help they need, especially Mom-and-Pop businesses in underserved communities. Putting equity at the center of its policies and…

Interagency CRA Frequently Asked Questions Related to COVID-19 Pandemic Issued

Summary The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (collectively, the agencies) today published a new version of frequently asked questions (FAQ) to assist financial institutions and examiners with determining Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) consideration for activities undertaken in response…

Census Bureau: Small Business Pulse Survey Phase 4 Weekly Data Released

The U.S. Census Bureau today released new data from the fourth phase of the Small Business Pulse Survey (SBPS). Data collection began Feb. 15. Results will be released weekly Feb. 25 to April 22. The SBPS includes questions on topics such as location closings, changes in employment, disruptions in the supply chain, the use of federal assistance initiatives such…

FHFA: COVID-19 Multifamily Forbearance Extended Through June 30, 2021

Today, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) will continue to offer COVID-19 forbearance to qualifying multifamily property owners through June 30, 2021, subject to the continued tenant protections FHFA has imposed during the pandemic. The programs were set to expire March 31, 2021. “COVID-19 continues to…