The Fund’s commitment will supplement PPP loans being
administered by Pursuit (formerly New York Business Development Corporation).
Returns to the Fund will be consistent with U.S. Treasury securities.
“New York small businesses are facing unprecedented
challenges that have put more than a million men and women out of work,”
DiNapoli said. “We’re doing what we can to help small businesses keep employees
on their payroll, even if they may have paused operations. PPP loans are
critical to New York businesses trying to survive through this public health
and economic crisis. We are continuing to look for opportunities to help New
Yorkers that are consistent with our fiduciary responsibility to the pension
fund.”
The Comptroller’s office and the Fund have a long
relationship with Pursuit having provided funds for business loans to help more
than 1,000 qualifying New York businesses in all 62 counties retain jobs and
expand. The Fund’s allocation to Pursuit redirects a large portion of the
existing available loan program funds to address the immediate crisis.
Additionally, the Fund is exploring the possibility of providing another $100
million toward PPP through its existing program with Pursuit, pending approvals
from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and others.
“The Paycheck Protection Program is a lifeline for
businesses during this unprecedented challenge,” said Patrick J. MacKrell,
President and CEO of Pursuit. “This vital financial support will allow us to
provide increased access to the program for businesses across New York State,
especially those that experienced difficulty accessing the program through
their bank of account. We are grateful to Comptroller DiNapoli for our
longstanding relationship and his commitment to supporting small businesses
through the fund.”
To help make sure the Fund’s allocation benefits New York’s
“main street” businesses, it has set certain parameters with Pursuit,
including:
-Exclusive availability to New York businesses.
-No loan minimum, with maximum loan set at $350,000.
-25 percent of loans are targeted for Minority and
Women-Owned Business Enterprises.
Prior to the Fund’s allocation, Pursuit has processed PPP
loans totaling nearly $200 million to small businesses. PPP loans are federally
guaranteed. New York businesses can sign-up to apply for PPP through Pursuit at
pursuitlending.com/pppapply.
For more information on the PPP visit the SBA. The latest
$484 billion relief package included an additional $310 billion for the PPP.
