Scarborough Businesses Share Experiences

At our 1:30 open meetings, we are inviting Scarborough-based businesses to talk about their approach to doing business during COVID-19. Whether it's talking about their decisions on the various loan/grant programs or business in general, we are taking advantage of online meetings to share their stories with you. We will have guests at least once a week, generally on Thursdays. Next week (April 16) we will focus on the construction industry . Jay Chace, Scarborough's Planning Director will also join in to talk about the online meeting format for the Planning Board.

Join ZOOM Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/412506131

Previous Guests:
Rick Snow: Click here to listen.
Jim Hartley: Click here to listen.


The Paycheck Protection Program opened for most businesses last Friday. Starting April 10, applications for the self employed and independent contractors should be available. This program requires you to work with a lender, rather than going straight to the Small Business Administration like the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.

We've compiled a list of local lenders and links to their application process or other COVID-19 assistance. Some lenders have the full application process online, others require you to call or email. We've also provided a sample application , so that you can see what you will need for the process.

Please note that almost every lender requires you to have a relationship with the bank. Some will allow you to start an account with them and then apply,

Lastly, as you are contemplating what's best for your business, please know that you can apply for multiple programs. In last week's webinar with Maine Department of Economic & Community Development (MDECD), we were reminded that the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), the $10,000 Advance and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) can be used together. Just as a reminder, the EIDL and the Advance are applied for on the SBA site; the Paycheck Protection Program must be applied for through a lender such as a back or credit union.

You can take six months to decide to accept the EIDL funds, which should give you enough time to obtain your approval from the PPP. Our understanding from the webinar is that the PPP is a one time loan/grant (at least today) but the EIDL funds have more flexibility. Once you know what you receive from the PPP, you can adjust the funds from the EIDL up or down, or decide not to accept them at all.

As always, if you have questions, please feel free to call SEDCO. We will get you to the right source for information. Also, be aware that everything is in flux as rules and guidelines are developed at the same time applications are coming in to lenders, confusion is bound to happen. It's hard to say this, but patience and perseverance are required.

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SEDCO is open for Business - Online!
Call us, email us, or join us online in a Zoom Meeting.

Join ZOOM Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/412506131
Daily: M-F, 1:30PM - 2:30PM
Have you applied for either or both of the Federal Programs to help small businesses?
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Pay Check Protection Program
Both Programs
Neither Program
Maine CDC Director, Nirav Shah, MD., J.D. April 9 Press Conference:
How we move back to normalcy will take time, and how we think about it will take time. But what I promise and pledge to you is that 1) We will do so with our common humanity in mind, 2) That we will do so using science and data at our core and 3) We will be transparent about the way in which we approach these decisions.
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