IFA Press Releases Posted August 7, 2020 120 BUSINESS GROUPS ASK CONGRESS FOR EXPANDED PPP ELIGIBILITY Share IFA-led Small Business Coalition Urges for Expanded Eligibility Requirements for Proposed PPP Second Draw WASHINGTON, D.C., AUGUST 5 – In a letter to lawmakers, the International Franchise Association (IFA) today led a business coalition advocating for an expansion of proposed Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) eligibility requirements to a greater share of struggling small businesses. The letter, signed by 120 organizations representing small businesses nationwide, called for lowering the gross revenue reduction requirement from 50 percent, as many small businesses risk closing without appropriate access to relief measures. Letter signatories include IFA, American Farm Bureau Federation, Associated General Contractors, Associated Builders and Contractors, NFIB, National Restaurant Association, National Retail Federation, National Small Business Association, Small Business Majority, Small Business Roundtable, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Travel Association. In part, the letter states: Many small businesses operate with slim profit margins in a normal economy. For them, even a revenue decline of 20 percent or greater could mean the difference between staying in business or closing. As for employees, such a revenue decline could mean the difference between remaining at work and receiving benefits or losing their jobs.” For businesses with revenue declines of 20 percent or greater, but less than 50 percent – businesses currently excluded from the proposed CSBRPP Act – broad access to a second round of PPP funding, and the new, long-term, low-interest loan program, may prove the lifeline they need to stay afloat throughout the economic recovery. This second round of funding and access to these long-term loans is akin to a targeted investment from the federal government into the very businesses where it can make the most difference – many of whom benefited from PPP in the first place, but now, through no fault of their own, remain closed or forced to operate at reduced capacity to protect the safety of their employees, customers and the general public. In summary, we urge you to expand small business access to the proposed PPP second draw by changing the eligibility requirement that businesses must demonstrate a gross revenue reduction of at least 50 percent. To view the coalition’s letter, please click here. Letter signatories include: AICC, The Independent Packaging Association AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology Aeronautical Repair Station Association Agricultural Retailers Association Air Conditioning Contractors of America America’s Health Insurance Plans American Bakers Association American Beverage Licensees American Council of Engineering Companies American Farm Bureau Federation American Home Furnishings Alliance American Institute of Architects American Lighting Association American Mold Builders Association American Rental Association American Road & Transportation Builders Association American Subcontractors Association American Supply Association American Veterinary Medical Association Asian American Hotel Owners Association Associated Builders and Contractors Associated Equipment Distributors Associated General Contractors Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry Auto Care Association Coalition of Franchisee Associations Commercial Food Equipment Service Association Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network Association Convenience Distribution Association DHI – Door Security and Safety Professionals The Design-Build Institute of America Electronics Representatives Association Family Enterprise USA Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association Franchise Business Services Global Business Travel Association Global Cold Chain Alliance Home Care Association of America Home Furnishings Association Independent Office Products & Furniture Dealers Alliance Independent Electrical Contractors Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America Industrial Fasteners Institute International Council of Shopping Centers International Foodservice Distributors Association International Franchise Association International Housewares Association Job Creators Network MSCI, Metals Service Center Institute Manufacturer & Business Association Marine Retailers Association of the Americas NFIB National Apartment Association National Association of Broadcasters National Association of Electrical Distributors National Association of Home Builders National Association of Professional Employer Organizations National Association of the Remodeling Industry National Association for the Self-Employed National Association of Trailer Manufacturers National Association of Truckstop Operators National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors National Association of Women Business Owners National Automatic Merchandising Association National Community Pharmacists Association National Cotton Council National Council of Chain Restaurants National Electrical Contractors Association National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association National Fastener Distributors Association National Fisheries Institute National Franchisee Association National Independent Automobile Dealers Association National Insulation Association National Marine Distributors Association National Multifamily Housing Council National Office Products Alliance National Propane Gas Association National Ready Mixed Concrete Association National Restaurant Association National Roofing Contractors Association National Retail Federation National Small Business Association National Tooling and Machining Association National Waste & Recycling Association North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers North American Die Casting Association Office Furniture Dealers Alliance Out of Home Advertising Association of America Outdoor Industry Association Outdoor Power Equipment and Engine Service Association Pet Industry Distributors Association Petroleum Equipment Institute Petroleum Marketers Association of America Precision Machined Products Association Precision Metalforming Association PRINTING United Alliance Professional Beauty Association Promotional Products Association International The Real Estate Roundtable Retail Bakers of America Service Station Dealers of America and Allied Trades Signatory Wall and Ceiling Contractors Alliance The Small Business Council of America Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council The Small Business Legislative Council Small Business Majority Small Business Roundtable Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance Tile Roofing Industry Alliance Tire Industry Association The Transportation Alliance Truck Renting and Leasing Association Textile Care Allied Trades Association United Fresh Produce Association U.S. Chamber of Commerce U.S. Travel Association Washington Retail Association Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Workplace Policy Institute ###