Massachusetts Equitable PPP Access Initiative | Iniciativa de Acceso Equitativo al PPP de Massachusetts
The Federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The Massachusetts Equitable PPP Access Initiative (MEPPPAI) was created to help more borrowers access the program's forgivable loans.
UPDATE 5/26/2021: MEPPPAI's support for new PPP applications has ended. Thank you for your interest. Our last Community Financial Institution (CFI) bank partner with access to funds stopped accepting applications at 5 PM, 5/25/2021. We are no longer taking in new requests for assistance, but we will continue to support those seeking loan forgiveness.
PPP loans are designed to be different from a traditional loan or debt. If you applied for the PPP and you are seeking forgiveness for a PPP loan made in 2020, contact your lender to request information on the forgiveness application process. Please note that most banks have not yet started accepting forgiveness applications for PPP loans made in 2021.
MEPPPAI will offer workshops in the near future to help minority-owned or underserved business borrowers in Massachusetts understand the requirements and documentation needed. Stay tuned for more information.
Sign up to get free support and information about PPP Loan Forgiveness from our partners at Small Business Strong. Help is available in English, Español (Spanish), Kreyòl ayisyen (Haitian Creole), 中文 (Chinese), العربية (Arabic), Português (Portuguese), & Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese).
4U Bridal & Prom
Worcester, MA
In June 2020, Lorna Ellis of 4U Bridal & Prom in Worcester applied for a PPP loan with help from MEPPPAI and banking partner BayCoast Bank. Later she applied for forgiveness which was approved in February 2021. "It was easy." "It took about 2 weeks for it to be approved. Now I don't owe anything."
Massachusetts Equitable PPP Access Coalition members urge legislators to provide resources for struggling business owners of color immediately, and to prioritize racial equity.
Read the letter here.
About the Equitable PPP Access Initiative
The Massachusetts Equitable PPP Access Initiative (MEPPPAI) is a coalition formed to provide timely and equitable access to forgivable federal loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration under the Paycheck Protect Program (PPP) for underbanked businesses and historically disadvantaged and underserved demographic groups, including businesses owned by women and people of color. The coalition includes community development financial institutions, banks, business support organizations, foundations, and other supporting partners.
MEPPPAI In the News
- El Mundo Boston - OpEd - ¿Crees que el PPP no es para ti? Aquí te damos 6 razones para pensarlo dos veces - 4-19-2021
- MassINC - New MassINC report lays out strategy for empowering entrepreneurs of color post-pandemic - 3-30-2021
- WBZ - CBS Boston - I-Team: New Effort To Make Sure Minority-Owned Businesses Get Fair Share Of PPP Loans, 3-9-2021
- WBS - CBS Boston - Small Business Owners Across Mass. Express Frustrations Securing PPP Loans 3-3-2021
- Boston Globe - New small-business loans and state grants target entrepreneurs of color and those hardest hit 1-15-2021
- Boston Business Journal (BBJ) - Black businesses in Mass. received fewer PPP loans - 7-7-2020
Contact Us:
Learn more about the program and sign up for assistance, click here, speak for free with a business advisor through our partner Small Business Strong or email us at EquitablePPP@gmail.com. If you need additional assistance, please contact 617-410-4344.
For all Interim Final Rules, visit the US Department of Treasury's website.