WASHINGTON – The Paycheck Protection Program reopens for small businesses and nonprofits this week after Congress restarted it in the COVID-19 relief and government funding package that was signed into law in December.

“New Hampshire small businesses and nonprofits are facing extraordinary challenges right now given the high number of COVID cases in our state and cold winter months limiting outdoor shopping and dining, which is why we worked on a bipartisan basis to strengthen and re-open the Paycheck Protection Program,” said Senator Hassan. “These Paycheck Protection Program loans will provide crucial resources to our businesses and nonprofits who are doing everything that they can to try to stay afloat and pay their staffs while also working to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Small businesses are the lifeblood of New Hampshire’s economy, and I will continue to push for additional, bipartisan efforts to support them.”

Hassan supported the extension of the program in the package, including improvements that reflect priorities she heard from Granite Staters. In particular, the program broadens the types of expenses that businesses can cover with Paycheck Protection Program loans.

The package also included bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Hassan to allow eligible small employers to both participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and also claim the Employee Retention Tax Credit to help keep workers on payroll and pay for their health care coverage. Previously, small employers could not participate in both of these programs.

Small businesses and nonprofits can learn more about participating in the Paycheck Protection Program here.