Eligibility Requirements for The Main Street Lending Program
The Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”) is designed to provide financial support to small and medium-sized businesses by providing credit in order to maintain operations and payroll until conditions normalize. On April 9, 2020, the U.S. Federal Reserve launched a $600 billion lending program aimed at helping relieve the liquidity crisis facing many small and medium-sized businesses in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of April 30, 2020, the U.S. Federal Reserve has adjusted the initial terms of the MSLP due to varying financial needs of businesses and created an additional third loan option (see chart below for updated loan options).
The MSLP offers three different loan options “New”, “Priority, & “Expanded” four-year, unsecured loans to smaller and medium- businesses that meet the criteria set forth by the Federal Reserve (as described below). The program allows businesses to take part in both MSLP and the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), however, unlike the PPP, the Main Street loans are not eligible to be forgiven, but principle and interest payments are able to defer for one year and unpaid interest will be capitalized and may be secured or unsecured. Each lender is expected to conduct an assessment of each potential borrower’s financial condition at the time of application.
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Main Street New Loan Facility (“MSNLF”) |
Main Street Priority Loan Facility (“MSPLF”) |
Main Street Expanded Loan Facility (“MSELF”) |
Loan Size & Limitations |
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Other Limitations |
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Eligible Borrower and Limitation Requirements |
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Eligible Borrower and Limitation Requirements (Additional) |
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Terms |
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Required Borrower Certifications and Covenants |
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Duration of Program |
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Eligible Lenders |
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Other notable references:
The Federal Reserve does make reference that ALL Eligible Borrowers should make commercially reasonable efforts to retain employees during the term of the MSNLF Loan, MSPLF Loan, or MSELF Upsized Tranche. Specifically, an Eligible Borrower should undertake good-faith efforts to maintain payroll and retain employees, in light of its capacities, the economic environment, its available resources, and the business need for labor. Borrowers that have already laid-off or furloughed workers as a result of the disruptions from COVID-19 are eligible to apply for Main Street loans.
As of the release date, Non-Profit Organizations are currently excluded. The Federal Reserve acknowledges the unique needs of these organizations and will be evaluating the feasibility of adjusting the borrower eligibility criteria and loan eligibility metrics.
Further clarification guidance:
** For purposes of the Facility, a Business is an entity that is organized for profit as a partnership; a limited liability company; a corporation; an association; a trust; a cooperative; a joint venture with no more than 49 percent participation by foreign business entities; or a tribal business concern as defined in 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(2)(C), except that “small business concern” in that paragraph should be replaced with “Business” as defined herein. Other forms of organization may be considered for inclusion as a Business under the Facility at the discretion of the Federal Reserve.
*** For purposes of the Facility, an Ineligible Business is a type of business listed in 13 CFR 120.110(b)-(j) and (m)-(s), as modified by regulations implementing the Paycheck Protection Program established by section 1102 of the CARES Act (“PPP”) on or before April 24, 2020. The application of these restrictions to the Facility may be further modified at the discretion of the Federal Reserve.
References:
https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/files/main-street-lending-faqs.pdf
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/files/monetary20200430a1.pdf
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/files/monetary20200430a2.pdf
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/files/monetary20200430a3.pdf
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