CBAC's Post-COVID-19
Pandemic Response
Updated - August 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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Even though the COVID-19 Pandemic officially ended in May 2023, CBAC continues to work with the NJ Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), other Federal and Regional agencies, and partners to assist small businesses by offering several loan programs and other resources.  Since resources are increasingly in demand, we are still experiencing a high volume of inquiries and thank you for your patience.   

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Throughout the pandemic, CBAC continued to care about you, your families, and your employees. Even though 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.  CBAC will, therefore, 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 though pandemic has "officially concluded," business owners retain the right to make decisions regarding protecting their businesses, employees, and customers from lingering health threats. COVID remain one of the top five causes of death in the United States. The end of the pandemic declaration does not prohibit you from continuing restrictions; you still have the ability to chose what is right for you.

 

As for CBAC, our customers' health and well-being, your families and employees, and our staff continue to be most important to us. CBAC is continuing to take the following steps to balance meeting 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 in the "start-up" phase. CBAC defines a start-up business 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 even though the pandemic has been declared over.

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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 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.  We encourage you to check with your existing bank and explore options on legitimate, government, banking, and CDFI organization's websites. 

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Federal Emergency Assistance Options

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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 NJ Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and other state agencies' options 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/. 

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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 all businesses and facilities that have chosen to do so. Now that restrictions are voluntary, we encourage you to check with  local government offices or your landlord, if applicable, 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 when new information is available. In the interim, please continue to follow current CDC recommendations and please visit the CDC Website for more information and updates on  COVID-19 and other outbreaks at https://www.cdc.gov/.