Rep. Harris Issues Statement on Paycheck Protection Program Improvements for Seasonal Businesses

WASHINGTON, DC: The Small Business Administration has announced that small seasonal businesses applying for Paycheck Protection Program loans can be evaluated on their business activities from February through June of 2019, rather than their operational capacity in February of this year. This is critical for seasonal businesses, who often are not fully operational in late winter.

Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to announce that the Administration has agreed to consider the seasonal operation of many small businesses when determining eligibility for the Paycheck Protection Program. Many small businesses are seasonal, and their activity increases from April to June. Considering activity from that period is a more accurate reflection of their operations, instead of during the winter months immediately preceding the COVID pandemic. I understand the seasonal business cycle on the Eastern Shore, and raised this issue with the Administration. This new guidance should help our local employers pay employees and cover expenses until businesses are allowed to reopen, hopefully on a regional basis.”