MoneyBusiness

Actions

Criminal records keep small-business owners from aid program

Paycheck Protection Program
Posted
and last updated

Criminal records are shutting some small-business owners out of the Paycheck Protection Program.

The program is supposed to be a lifeline for small businesses, helping them stay afloat and keep employees on the payroll during the coronavirus pandemic. But government guidelines say businesses are ineligible if anyone who owns at least 20% of the company is incarcerated, under indictment, on probation or parole, or had been convicted of a felony within the last five years.

Would-be applicants and their advocates say the restrictions are a slap in the face for those who have served their time, especially from an administration that has trumpeted second chances.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Tuesday

12/09/2025

Foggy

-° / 40°

3%

Wednesday

12/10/2025

Fog Late

56° / 41°

11%

Thursday

12/11/2025

Clear

57° / 43°

8%

Friday

12/12/2025

Mostly Clear

63° / 45°

4%

Saturday

12/13/2025

Partly Cloudy

63° / 45°

4%

Sunday

12/14/2025

Partly Cloudy

58° / 44°

5%

Monday

12/15/2025

Partly Cloudy

58° / 45°

4%

Tuesday

12/16/2025

Mostly Clear

60° / 48°

7%