CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program

PPP Loans Through NBT Help 3,000 Businesses

NBT Bank secured approval for approximately 3,000 loans and over $540 million in relief through the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), helping businesses and organizations in the communities served by NBT to retain more than 61,000 workers. The average amount of NBT’s PPP loans was $185,000 with each loan supporting an average of 20 jobs.

A sampling of the types of entities supported by the PPP loans secured through NBT Bank include rural hospitals and nursing homes, human and family services organizations, farms and agricultural businesses, educational institutions, manufacturers, contractors and construction businesses, restaurants and many Main Street retailers.

"We are thankful our vigorous efforts are resulting in real relief for the small businesses and organizations that are the lifeblood of our communities," said NBT Bank President and CEO John H. Watt, Jr. "Hundreds of NBT Bankers came together to support this critical initiative that required an around the clock effort over multiple weeks. Our team collaborated to leverage our lending, operational and technical resources and expertise to secure funding for all customers who completed eligible loan applications for funding through the program. We are extremely proud of the action we have taken to fund PPP loans and the opportunity to join banks across the US in using our balance sheets and financial stability to deliver relief in these challenging and unprecedented times."

Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES Act)

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, contained several programs to provide emergency assistance for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the PPP administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

The Paycheck Protection Program was designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll by providing each small business a loan with a maximum amount of 2.5 times the average monthly payroll or up to $10 million with funds to be used primarily for payroll expenses. Eligibility for the Paycheck Protection Program is for small businesses, including eligible non-profits, self-employed individuals, independent contractors and others as described in the Small Business Act.

Lenders with delegated authority from the SBA permitted to determine eligibility without going through the SBA channels. NBT Bank is a designated Small Business Administration (SBA) lender with delegated authority. More information about the Paycheck Protection Program is available on the SBA Website.