CBAC's Updated COVID-19 Response
Updated 2-2023

Cooperative Business Assistance Corporation (CBAC) is a non-profit, "mission-based," non-bank lender that provides loans ranging from $1,000 to $250,000 directly and in partnership with other lenders in our target market area. Our target market area includes the Counties of Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem in New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We also provide training and technical assistance in support of our loans to help small businesses start, grow, and succeed.  

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CBAC continues to work with the NJ Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), other Federal and Regional agencies, and partners to assist small businesses as pandemic restrictions near the end by offering several loan programs and other resources.  Since resources are becoming more limited, we are still experiencing a high volume of inquiries and thank you for your patience.   

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Since the beginning of the pandemic, CBAC has continued to care about you, your families, and your employees during these challenging times. Even as restrictions and mandates lifted, we continue to value the health and safety of all our loan clients, small businesses seeking our assistance, partners, stakeholders, and our staff.  Even when the pandemic is officially declared "over" by the federal government, currently anticipated to happen in May 2021, CBAC will continue to be available and responsive to your small business needs. 

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Some of you might be struggling with whether or not to keep some  protections in place for your companies employee, and families. Even after the "official" conclusion of the pandemic is declared, business owners will retain the right to make decisions about continuing their businesses, employees, and customers from lingering health threats. The end of the pandemic declaration does not prohibit you from continuing restrictions, they give you the ability to chose what is right for you.

 

CBAC's customers' health and well-being, your families and employees, and our staff continue to be most important to us. For an undetermined length of time, CBAC will continue to take the following steps to ensure we meet your needs while also ensuring your health and safety, and that of our team members:  

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What if I need an appointment with a CBAC team member?

CBAC is will continue scheduling in-person visits on a case-by-case basis. If we cannot meet with you in person, we can still meet with you virtually! For an appointment or more information, please call us at 856-966-8181 or email us at info@cbaclenders.com.

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What if I need assistance with my existing loan or application?

Your business and needs are unique. Our team members will continue to assist and work with our customers and partners to customize solutions through appointments by phone, email, text, etc.

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Can I still apply for a new loan?

We are accepting new loan applications as funding is made available to our organization to businesses that are not considered "start-up" businesses. CBAC defines a start-up as  one that has not been in business for at least one year and has not yet filed at least one tax return.

 

If you are interested in a loan and have not yet begun the application process, please contact our office to discuss your business needs. You can also download the application materials from our "Need A Loan?" tab and submit them by email or regular mail. Please note: our $75 application fee is still being waived due to the pandemic.

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Is there financial assistance available for small businesses affected by the pandemic?

Many of the loan and grant assistance programs that were available through the SBA, NJEDA, and local and regional programs have ended. Many of the private banks and lenders that offered assistance also ended their programs.  However, some agencies and banks are offering post-pandemic products that might help with your capital needs.  

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Federal Emergency Assistance Options

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Most programs have ended. Please visit www.sba.gov for more information about other loan products available. 

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State & Local Emergency Assistance Options

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In New Jersey, the state is still offering some business grant options as well as new loan programs for businesses at the time of this update. You can learn about opportunities still available through the NJ Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and other state agencies by visiting  through the State's Assistance Eligibility Wizard website at https://assistance.business.nj.gov/, or visit the NJEDA website at https://www.njeda.com/financing-and-incentives/ to learn about financing and incentive options. 

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In Pennsylvania, you can still visit https://dced.pa.gov/programs-funding/ for more information about what is available for business owners.

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Whether you live in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, you can also check with your county or local city/municipality to see if they are offering any financing or incentive options for small businesses. 

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Is my business still affected by COVID-19 Pandemic rules and regulations?

Restrictions have been lifted for most businesses and facilities. For those that have not, they are likely to conclude when the federal  Please check with your state, county, and local government offices regarding any restrictions that might still be in effect for your business.

 

What if I find out one of my employees tested positive for COVID-19?

Data reporting and tracking of COVID-19 remains in effect. If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19 and has been in contact with co-workers, vendors, customers, etc., employers should inform those who came into contact with the employee of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace. PLEASE REMEMBER, you must maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please contact the CDC and your State Department of Labor for additional information. You can visit the CDC for the most up-to-date COVID-19 information at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. 

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CBAC will continue to update this information page as needed and when new information is available. In the interim, please continue to follow CDC recommendations to protect yourself, loved ones, employees, customers, and all with whom you come into contact. Please visit the CDC Website for more information and updates on  COVID-19 and other outbreaks: (https://www.cdc.gov/)