Dear Editor:

There is a lot of hype about the federal Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans.

It appears to be a good program although it is just a loan at this point but at only 1% interest. It was supposed 1/2 % but the SBA changed the rules.

These loans are supposed to be forgivable if used to cover eight weeks of payroll during the state mandated shutdown. This determination of forgiveness will be evaluated by the SBA in six months. That is a little concerning; they may change the rules but using their money for 1% interest seems OK even if not forgiven.

I successfully filed two loan PPP applications, before funding ran out during the first round of funding. Now they are going to put more funds into program. I hope more local businesses and self employment businesses will get the funding they need and deserve.

In order to help local businesses during this pandemic, I am offering to help small businesses through the application process.

Tom Boudin, CPA

Edgecomb