The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) is a government program that was created on March 27, 2020 in response to the economic challenges businesses faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided emergency funding to small businesses and non-profit organizations with the purpose of helping them cover essential expenses, such as payroll, rent, utilities, insurance, property tax, and debt service. While the CEBA loans were backed by the Canadian government, they were facilitated through financial institutions such as banks and credit unions. Ultimately, the program “provided more than $49 billion to approximately 898,000 businesses in partnership with 230+ participating financial institutions” (Government of Canada).
Those who took advantage of the CEBA program when it was available should be sure to effectively manage their loan repayments to avoid defaulting on the loan. Anyone who doesn’t repay their loan when due will be subject to collections.
Understanding CEBA Loan Payments
The CEBA program was open for applications from April 9, 2020 to June 30, 2021, and it’s not an ongoing option for businesses that are financially struggling. However, businesses that are still paying back these loans should clearly understand their stipulations.
- Eligibility criteria for CEBA loans – Businesses that qualified for these loans had to meet the following criteria: 1) “employment income paid in the 2019 calendar year greater than Cdn.$20,000 and less than Cdn.$1,500,000” and 2) “Cdn.$20,000 or less in total employment income paid in the 2019 calendar year and that had Eligible Non-Deferrable Expenses greater than Cdn.$40,000 and less than Cdn.$1,500,000” (Government of Canada).
- Terms and conditions of CEBA loans – Business could receive loans up to $60,000, initially interest-free and partially forgivable. Those who qualified for partial loan forgiveness could get up to $20,000 of their loan forgiven. Those who did not qualify for partial loan forgiveness were required to pay the outstanding amount of their loan by December 31, 2023.
- Repayment options and timelines – While the loans were initially interest-free, there are new terms for CEBA Loans that were still outstanding as of January 19, 2024. For those who are in good standing with their loan, the current stipulations are 1) an interest rate of 5% per year and 2) full principle due by December 31, 2026. Anyone can repay the loan early without an early payment penalty.
4 Strategies for Effective CEBA Loan Payment Management
Anyone with an outstanding CEBA loan, or really any type of business loan, should take the repayment process seriously. Even if it seems daunting at first, it’s possible to effectively manage your loan with intentional planning.
#1 – Budgeting & Financial Planning
Basic budgeting goes a long way with making sure you stay on track with repaying your loan. Take the time to create a comprehensive and realistic budget that includes your loan payments along with your business’s other expenses.
#2 – Prioritizing Loan Repayments
If necessary, adjust your budget to prioritize loan payments in order to avoid default.
#3 – Exploring Loan Forgiveness Options
While the CEBA program has already completed its loan forgiveness process, it’s always worth consulting with your financial institution to find out if there are any more CEBA loan forgiveness options.
#4 – Communicating With Lenders
In addition to communicating with your financial institution regarding loan forgiveness options, you can also ask about any flexible repayment options offered. Some lenders will offer extended repayment terms or temporary payment deferrals to help a business struggling to repay their loan. Each situation is different, so your lender can help you figure out the best approach for your circumstances.
Tools & Resources for CEBA Loan Payment Management
If you are in the process of repaying a CEBA loan, consider using the following resources.
#1 – Financial Management Software
Utilizing a program for financial management is key to tracking and effectively managing your business’s finances. These softwares often include tools for accounting, inventory, payroll, tax filing, invoicing, bank account tracking and reconciliation, expense management, budgeting, payment processing, and accounts receivable/payable management.
Quickbooks is an example of financial management software that’s geared towards small and medium-sized businesses.
#2 – Professional Financial Advice
Seeking professional financial advice can provide you with the expertise and guidance needed to effectively manage your CEBA loan repayment and achieve long-term financial stability. A few ways a professional can help include:
- Strategic Financial Planning
- Loan Repayment Strategy
- Risk Management and Contingency Planning
- Compliance and Regulatory Guidance
#3 – Government Resources & Support
If you have any more questions about the CEBA program or if you interested in additional resources, consider the following:
- CEBA Program Guidelines
- Support Initiatives & Programs
- Business Support Organizations
- Financial Literacy & Education
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