When facing financial challenges, it's crucial for small business owners to understand their options regarding small business bankruptcy. Two common bankruptcy filings for small businesses are Chapter 7 and Chapter 11. At Protect Law Group, we specialize in negotiating compromises and repayment plans with the Small Business Administration (SBA) on your behalf and we have successfully resolved millions of dollars in SBA debt.
In this blog, we'll discuss the differences between these bankruptcy types and explore the role of Small Business Administration (SBA) programs such as SBA loan forgiveness and SBA debt relief. We'll also touch on the SBA debt relief extension and how it can benefit struggling businesses.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as liquidation, is a process where a business ceases operations, and its assets are sold to pay off outstanding debts. This type of small business bankruptcy is suitable for businesses that cannot continue operating due to their financial struggles.
In contrast, Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a reorganization process that allows businesses to continue operating while restructuring their debts. This form of small business bankruptcy is ideal for companies with a viable business model that requires financial reorganization to become profitable again.
Another essential aspect to consider when navigating Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 small business bankruptcy or seeking SBA debt relief is negotiating a repayment plan with creditors. A well-negotiated repayment plan can ease financial burdens and allow businesses more time to recover and regain their footing. In some cases, this could even help avoid small business bankruptcy altogether.
When negotiating a repayment plan, it's vital to be transparent with your creditors and attorneys about your business's financial situation and your ability to make payments. By working closely with your creditors and demonstrating your commitment to repaying your debts, the lawyers at Protect Law Group may secure more favorable terms, such as reduced interest rates or extended payment periods.
Additionally, exploring options like SBA debt relief and SBA loan forgiveness can complement these negotiations, further strengthening your business's financial position.
SBA loan forgiveness programs, such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), can alleviate the financial burden on small businesses by forgiving a portion or the entire loan amount, provided specific criteria are met. When a business qualifies for SBA loan forgiveness, it can prevent the need for small business bankruptcy by reducing the debt load.
It's important for business owners to understand the requirements of SBA loan forgiveness programs and seek assistance from professionals like the attorneys at Protect Law Group to maximize their chances of receiving loan forgiveness, potentially avoiding small business bankruptcy altogether.
If you have received a 60-day notice of repayment from the SBA and are considering Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 bankruptcy, call our office first!
Millions of Dollars in SBA Debts Resolved via Offer in Compromise and Negotiated Repayment Agreements without our Clients filing for Bankruptcy or Facing Home Foreclosure
Millions of Dollars in Treasury Debts Defended Against via AWG Hearings, Treasury Offset Program Resolution, Cross-servicing Disputes, Private Collection Agency Representation, Compromise Offers and Negotiated Repayment Agreements
Our Attorneys are Authorized by the Agency Practice Act to Represent Federal Debtors Nationwide before the SBA, The SBA Office of Hearings and Appeals, the Treasury Department, and the Bureau of Fiscal Service.
Our firm successfully assisted a client in closing an SBA Disaster Loan tied to a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The borrower obtained an EIDL loan of $153,800, but due to the prolonged economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the business was unable to recover and ultimately closed.
As part of the business closure review and audit, we worked closely with the SBA to negotiate a resolution. The borrower was required to pay only $1,625 to release the remaining collateral, effectively closing the matter without further financial liability for the owner/officer.
This case highlights the importance of strategic negotiations when dealing with SBA settlements, particularly for businesses that have shut down due to unforeseen economic challenges. If you or your business are struggling with SBA loan debt, we focus on SBA Offer in Compromise (SBA OIC) solutions to help settle outstanding obligations efficiently.
Clients obtained an SBA 7(a) loan for $324,000 to buy a small business and its facility. The business and real estate had an appraisal value of $318,000 at the time of purchase. The business ultimately failed but the participating lender abandoned the business equipment and real estate collateral even though it had valid security liens. As a result, the lender recouped nearly nothing from the pledged collateral, leaving the business owners liable for the deficiency balance. The SBA paid the lender the 7(a) guaranty money and was assigned ownership of the debt, including the right to collect. However, the clients never received the SBA Official 60-Day Notice and were denied the opportunity to negotiate an Offer in Compromise (OIC) or a Workout directly with the SBA before being transferred to Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service, which added an additional $80,000 in collection fees. Treasury garnished and offset the clients' wages, federal salary and social security benefits. When the clients tried to negotiate with Treasury by themselves, they were offered an unaffordable repayment plan which would have caused severe financial hardship. Clients subsequently hired the Firm to litigate an Appeals Petition before the SBA Office & Hearings Appeals (OHA) challenging the legal enforceability and amount of the debt. The Firm successfully negotiated a term OIC that was approved by the SBA Office of General Counsel, saving the clients approximately $205,000.
Small business and guarantors obtained an SBA COVID-EIDL loan for $1,000,000. Clients defaulted causing SBA to charge-off the loan, accelerate the balance and refer the debt to Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service for collection. Treasury added nearly $500,000 in collection fees totaling $1,500,000. Clients were served with the SBA's Official 60-Day Notice and exercised the Repayment option by applying for the SBA’s Hardship Accommodation Plan. However, their application was summarily rejected by the SBA without providing any meaningful reasons. Clients hired the Firm to represent them against the SBA, Treasury and a Private Collection Agency. After securing government records through discovery, we filed an Appeals Petition with the SBA Office of Hearings & Appeals (OHA) court challenging the SBA's referral of the debt to Treasury. During litigation and before the OHA court issued a final Decision and Order, the Firm successfully negotiated a reinstatement and recall of the loan back to the SBA, a modification of the original repayment terms, termination of Treasury's enforced collection and removal of the statutory collection fees.
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