Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce make final push for Latino business owners to apply for PPP loan

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber teamed up to encourage Latino business owners to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program loan.

According to CEO of Santa Maria Valley Chamber Glenn Morris, many business owners have a applied for the PPP loan, however, there is a smaller number of Latino business owners that applied.

"There's some evidence in the reporting that indicates that they [Latinos] have applied less and received the loans less than the general business community," said Morris.

Both Chamber of Commerce will spread the word by using the Latino radio outlets in the community as well as get in touch will community organizations to help them reach to the minority business owners.

According to the 2012 US Census Bureau, 26% of business owners and self-employed persons are considered minority-owned.

The PPP loan can help small businesses who have struggled in the pandemic by keeping their workers on payroll. Additionally, businesses that borrow may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.

At this time, there are funds for the PPP loan. The deadline to apply is May 21, 2021.

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