SBA increases COVID-19 EIDL limit to $2 million - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced updates to the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program, including raising the loan cap from $500,000 to $2 million. SBA said it was implementing the changes to make it easier for the small business communities still reeling from the pandemic, especially hard-hit sectors such as restaurants, gyms, and hotels, to access the more than $150 billion in funding available for loans.  The following key changes were announced:
 • Increasing the COVID EIDL Cap - Cap lifted from $500,000 to $2 million. Loan funds can be used for any normal operating expenses and working capital, including payroll, purchasing equipment, and paying debt.
• Implementation of a Deferred Payment Period - Small business owners will not have to begin repayment until two years after loan origination.
• Establishment of a 30-Day Exclusivity Window - SBA will implement a 30-day exclusivity window of approving and disbursing funds for loans of $500,000 or less. Approval and disbursement of loans over $500,000 will begin after the 30-day period.
• Expansion of Eligible Use of Funds - COVID EIDL funds will now be eligible to prepay commercial debt and make payments on federal business debt.
• Simplification of affiliation requirements - SBA has established more simplified affiliation requirements to model those of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.
 
The COVID-19 EIDL program, which runs through Dec. 31, offers 30-year loans with fixed interest rates of 3.75% for small businesses, including sole proprietors and independent contractors, and 2.75% for not-for-profits. Learn more HERE or locally contact Aaron Harned - Business Coach, Kentucky Small Business Development Center, aaron.harned@uky.edu, Paducah Center: 270-953-0153.
     
Western Kentucky Job Corps Virtual Opportunity Day on September 29 @ 1 p.m. Join them live online for some active presentations including program eligibility requirements, trades available, center life, virtual enrollment, Covid-19 Regulation Policy, along with a Q & A session and a chance to win some prizes. Please click here for more info and then use your cell phone to scan the QR Code to register for the event. If you are registering for a group, please email Walker.Micca@jobcorps.org with your estimated number of participants for the online event.

Yeiser Art Center invites you to join them at YACtoberfest on September 30 thru October 2 at Carson Park. YACtoberfest is a pandemic recovery fundraiser that includes lots of art, music, activities for the kids, food, and more. Join in the fun on Thursday and Friday from 3-10 p.m. and 12-10 p.m. on Saturday. Follow this link for more info and to purchase tickets.

The Merryman House PaDucky Derby rubber duck race will be held at Lake Montgomery in Noble Park on October 23 at 3 p.m. Help them reach their goal of 10,000 adopted ducks. Adopt your $5 Duck now for a chance to win up to $2500! Click here to help Merryman House Save, Build and Change Lives! 

Paducah-McCracken County Habitat for Humanity’s Bank on Housing Campaign - The Paducah-McCracken County Habitat for Humanity needs your financial support during the “Bank on Housing” campaign which runs the month of October. They need churches, families, individuals, businesses, and organizations to fill a house bank with coins, bills and checks to help Habitat build affordable housing in our community. Habitat will provide the number of cardboard house banks needed for your location. For more information call 270-444-2060. Fill a house bank and change lives. 

Paducah/McCracken County NAACP Presents An Evening With Dr. Michael Eric Dyson on November 14 at 4 p.m. at the Paducah Tilghman High School Auditorium. Dr. Dyson will speak about Truth, Healing, Love and the Power of Youth. Click here for more information and here to purchase tickets.