When the COVID-19 pandemic in March resulted in many local businesses closing doors temporarily or reducing their services, and as shelter in place orders started keeping people at home, paychecks for many people were in jeopardy.
But the Small Business Administration Payroll Protection Program loans became available for those businesses that could apply.
Great Plains Bank of Piedmont President Jay Winkle and Branch Operations Manager Katie Lopez, started helping area businesses get through the shutdowns and helping them get the loans. In April, they have helped 40 local small businesses secure payrolls for two months.
“The loans were intended to help the businesses that have been impacted by the coronavirus that have been forced to be shut down and to keep people on the payroll,” Winkle said. “So these funds have allowed employers to keep paying their folks for another two months. And its been a real blessing for those who have been impacted.”
The bank is located at 12001 Northwest Expressway, in Colony Pointe shopping complex at Piedmont Road/State Highway 4.
The first round of loans has been distributed. As soon as more SBA money is allocated for the program people can contact the bank to fill out the applications, Winkle said.
For more information about SBA Paycheck Protection Program call the bank at (405) 720-4700.
