MEMBER NOTICE
Thursday
April 2,2020
AAI COVID-19 ACTIVITIES
FOR AGRIBUSINESS

RESTRICTED CDLs  

The Iowa Department of Transportation is now issuing Restricted Commercial Drivers Licenses remotely.  

If you need to obtain a restricted commercial driver’s license, please email the CDL Program administrators (preferred method) at cdl.program@iowadot.us, or call your local DOT Service Center. 

To limit the number of people who come into the service centers and reduce their potential exposure to COVID-19, the Iowa Department of Transportation will be reviewing applications and issuing restricted commercial driver’s licenses remotely and mailing them out to these customers.  

We will share any additional information about the restricted CDL process when we know more. AAI will continue to work with the Iowa DOT to address additional unresolved issues related to CDLs during the COVID-19 Disaster Declaration. 


FORGIVABLE LOANS THROUGH THE SMALL BUSINESS PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM 

Federal legislators passed the CARE Act which was signed into law last Friday by President Trump. Included in this legislation is the Paycheck Protection Program which provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.  

Fully Forgiven Loans
Funds are provided in the form of loans that will be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees. 

Qualifying Businesses
Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees—including nonprofits, veterans organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors— are eligible. Businesses with more than 500 employees are eligible in certain industries. 

When to Apply
Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply. Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply. There is a funding cap, so a quick response would be prudent. 

How to Apply
Businesses may apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. 

All loans will have the same terms regardless of lender or borrower. A list of participating lenders as well as additional information and full terms can be found at www.sba.gov. 

See the following documents for more details: 


AAI COVID-19 PAGE 

The Agribiz.org website has a COVID-19 page with links to articles, emails, and newsletters related to the coronavirus pandemic.


Sincerely,
Joel Brinkmeyer | CEO
Agribusiness Association of Iowa