On June 5, 2020 President Trump signed into law several critical fixes to the forgiveness terms of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), providing much needed relief for small business borrowers.

This webinar’s panelists discussed payroll system operators’ role in the broader stimulus and loan efforts undertaken by recent government action, and outlined relief options available for small businesses. The panelists focused on the Employee Retention Tax Credit and Paycheck Protection Program Loan provisions of the recent CARES Act, and how payroll processers can act as trusted advisors on the front and back-end of loan forgiveness provisions through documentation and record-keeping compliance.

IFA supplier leaders from global accounting firm Citrin Cooperman provided participants with “timeless tips” and guidance for businesses to conserve cash flow as they contend with business interruption. The panelists offered both short term and long term solutions to deal with the current crisis, including: deferring expenses; communicating with bankers to manage possible refinancing and repayment options; tax deferral; and review of existing contracts. Longer term, the panelists recommended planning for new sources of cash flow via government loans with an eye toward accommodating labor changes, and preparing business for liquidity challenges going forward.

IFA leadership discussed the various loan relief programs offered through government agencies, and as a result of the highly anticipated legislation recently passed by Congress. Though implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program loans (PPPL) by the Small Business Administration and via commercial lenders is forthcoming, the panelists outlined the importance of liquidity at this time and to take advantage of the loans offered by these outlets. The panelists took a step-by-step look at the loan terms and documentation needed by franchise businesses to access new loans and their eligibility for forgiveness within these programs.

ProfitMastery CEO Steve LeFever guided this webinar on the details of developing and enacting a concrete financial action plan for franchisors and franchisees alike, who are under stress from COVID-19-related cash flow and credit access strains. LeFever stressed the need for every business to undergo a balance sheet assessment of their solvency/working capital, liquidity, and leverage/risk to determine business health and create an ongoing financial report card. LeFever also provided step-by-step instructions for businesses to determine the now-critical cash flow burn rate, and guidance on how to lengthen businesses’ cash runway in times of financial stress.

Tips for your business on how to overcome a sales slump and maintain transparency through it.

Strategies to move forward despite roadblocks caused by the federal shutdown in January.

Tips for determining your need, navigating the process and finding the right investor.

There are a variety of loan programs available through the SBA including specific ones for veterans, disaster recovery, etc. The primary one for small business owners is the 7(a) program, which is more generally focused on helping small businesses start and grow. 

When considering finance options for a franchise opportunity, the best strategy is to take a personal inventory of your resources first, before deciding on one path or another.  There are many creative options and strategies to utilize.