Assistance for Small Businesses
Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness
If your loan amount is $150,000 or less:
The SBA provides a forgiveness application portal which allows SBA borrowers whose Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans are $150K or less to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA. If you have not yet applied for forgiveness, we invite you to use this application portal to apply for forgiveness for both your 1st and 2nd draw PPP loans.
The SBA portal streamlines the application process by pre-populating most of the application information directly from your origination documents. You will simply review and complete the remainder of the application. You will need your SBA PPP loan number (can be found on your SBA Note) and your Tax ID number (TIN) for your business. For most businesses your TIN will be your Employer Identification Number. For some Sole Proprietorships the TIN may be the SSN of the owner.
How do I access the portal?
This platform can be accessed by visiting https://directforgiveness.sba.gov.
This guide walks you step by step through the registration and forgiveness application process, complete with screen shots of what you will see at each step.
PowerPoint Presentation (sba-forgiveness-docs.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com)
Who should I contact with questions during the application process?
The SBA’s PPP Direct Forgiveness Hotline is +1 (877) 552-2692.
A Knowledge Base of Frequently Asked Questions can be found here. This resource is regularly updated.
We encourage you to reach out to SBA first with any technical or program related questions. Please note, the portal operates best using MS Edge or Google Chrome browsers. Should you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at sbapppinquiries@ff-inc.com.
If your loan is over $150,000 and you received it from First Foundation Bank:
First Foundation Bank uses an automated system for submitting loan forgiveness requests to make the process as efficient as possible. It will be important to utilize the online process as it will provide the proper steps to collect the necessary information and related documentation. It will also be updated live as changes are made by the SBA to ensure that you always have the most recent information and forms.
The invitation to apply through the portal contains a link that is only valid for 48 hours from the time we send it. Please contact us at the email below when you are ready to apply.
If your loan is over $150,000 and you received it from First Florida Integrity Bank:
First Florida Integrity Bank clients can continue to work with our team members in Florida.
Please contact us at the email below when you are ready to apply.
Eligible Expenses (all loans over $150,000 regardless of origination date):
Updates to the program made more expenses considered allowable if you used your Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to pay for them. Expenses such as software, accounting, and investments in personal protective equipment may be allowable under certain conditions. More information is available by the SBA.
We strongly encourage the use of the online process when it becomes available to have your request processed as the use of other applications may delay your forgiveness request.
Questions? Email us at sbapppinquiries@ff-inc.com.
Businesses seeking additional assistance
Please be advised that assistance for businesses may be available through the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. This is a self-directed program through the SBA.
Please visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance to inquire about available options and the application process.