SBA and LED Financial Assistance for Small Businesses

LOUISIANA REALTORS • April 5, 2020
As the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to hit more Americans, federal and state governments have made programs available to assist small businesses with their payroll and business expenses.  Louisiana REALTORS® has consolidated information about these programs for you to access in one convenient place.

Federal and State Resources Available for REALTORS® During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Federal and state governments have made programs available to assist small businesses with payroll and business expenses as the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues.  If used for the intended purposes, this financial assistance may not be required to be repaid.

As always, we urge you to speak to your financial advisor, CPA, community bank, and/or attorney to determine what assistance is best for you.   Also, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offices throughout the state are available to provide remote assistance when applying for various programs. Further information is available here: https://www.lsbdc.org/ 

We also encourage you to speak to your current lenders about additional assistance available, including bridge loans and loan deferment or forbearance.    If deferment or forbearance is available, be sure to ask how much will be due and when, credit reporting and interest and penalties.

Please note that unemployment assistance is different from the assistance available through these programs. See Unemployment Benefits for Self Employed and Independent Contractors.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMS

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) created two new programs/grants to be administered through the Small Business Administration (SBA).  The two programs are the following:
  • SBA 7(a) “Paycheck Protection Program” (PPP) 
  • SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) grant
The Act required the SBA and the Department of the Treasury to issue regulations and guidance necessary to administer the programs within a matter of days.  This has led to a flurry of information being published about these two programs.

Louisiana REALTORS® believes the following to be trusted sources for information about the PPP and EIDL programs:

LOUISIANA LOAN PORTFOLIO GUARANTY PROGRAM

The Louisiana Loan Portfolio Guaranty Program offers loans of up to $100,000 to Louisiana small businesses of fewer than 100 employees that are impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The loans will require no payments for 180 days and carry below-market interest rates of no more than 3.5 percent.

The Loan Portfolio Guaranty Program is a partnership of Louisiana Economic Development, which will provide a loan guaranty fund; the Louisiana Bankers Association, whose membership will provide the loans; and the Louisiana Public Facilities Authority, which will administer the program. A total loan pool of $50 million will be disbursed to eligible small businesses across Louisiana.

More information about this program is available here:  https://www.opportunitylouisiana.com/covid19/led-loan-guaranty-program?v=2


By Louisiana REALTORS® September 4, 2026
Article provided through SPOT Pet Insurance partnership Key Points Spot plans can reimburse up to 90% of eligible expenses from covered accidents and illnesses. Submit claims online in 30 seconds and get reimbursed — often within 48 hours. Customizable plans and nationwide vet access make emergency care easier to afford and access. Why Emergency Vet Coverage Matters When a pet faces a sudden illness, accident, or injury, every minute counts — and so does every dollar. Emergency vet bills can be overwhelming, especially when costs climb into the thousands. That’s where Spot Pet Insurance can help. Spot’s plans are built to help pet parents handle the unexpected by helping cover eligible emergency vet costs for accidents, illnesses, and injuries. From X-rays and emergency surgeries to prescription medications and hospitalization, Spot helps make sure your pet can get the care they need — with less financial stress. What Do Emergency Vet Visits Cost? Emergency vet care can vary widely based on your pet’s condition, breed, and location. On average, an emergency visit can range anywhere from $150 to $5,000 or more — and that’s before factoring in surgery or ongoing care. Here’s a breakdown of what common emergency services might cost. Diagnostics (bloodwork, imaging, exams): $180 – $450 Pain medication: $40 – $80 Hospitalization: $800 – $2,500 IV fluids: $60 – $95 Surgery: $1,500 – $5,000+ Common emergencies like broken bones, poisoning, heatstroke, or severe infections can quickly become expensive — and unexpected. With Spot Pet Insurance, you can get help covering these eligible costs and focus on your pet’s recovery instead of worrying about the bill. How Spot Pet Insurance Helps with Emergency Vet Bills Spot’s plans help pet parents manage the financial impact of sudden veterinary expenses. Coverage can include: Emergency exams and diagnostics (like X-rays, blood tests, and imaging) Surgery and hospitalization Prescription medications and follow-up care Emergency or specialty clinic visits Spot reimburses up to 90% of eligible costs for covered emergencies, depending on the plan you choose. Whether it’s a late-night visit to an emergency hospital or an unexpected illness, Spot is there to help you cover the cost of care — fast. Customizable Pet Insurance Plans That Fit Your Budget Every pet — and every budget — is different. Spot gives pet parents the flexibility to customize their plan with: Annual coverage limits that fit your needs Deductibles you’re comfortable with Reimbursement rates of up to 90%1 With Spot, you’re in control of your coverage, helping give you confidence when unexpected emergencies happen. Fast and Easy Claims Process Spot knows that emergencies can be stressful, so we’ve made the claims process as simple and quick as possible: Visit any licensed vet in the U.S. or Canada — no network restrictions. Pay your bill at the time of service. Submit your claim online in just 30 seconds through the Spot Member Portal or app. Get reimbursed fast — most claims are processed and paid within 48 hours. This straightforward process means pet parents can spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time focusing on their pet’s recovery. Why Pet Parents Trust Spot During Emergencies Pet parents choose Spot Pet Insurance because it offers more than coverage — it offers confidence and peace of mind when life throws the unexpected your way. Here’s why Spot stands out: No network restrictions: Visit any licensed veterinarian, specialist, or emergency clinic in the U.S. or Canada. Fast claims turnaround: Most claims reimbursed within 48 hours. Flexible reimbursement options: Choose up to 90% back on eligible costs. Extensive coverage: Plans include accidents, illnesses, and even alternative therapies for covered conditions. Spot is designed to help give pet parents the freedom to make the best care decisions — with less worries about financial limitations. FAQs About Emergency Vet Coverage with Spot Pet Insurance Does Spot Pet Insurance cover emergency vet visits? Yes. Spot Pet Insurance helps cover the eligible costs of emergency vet care for covered accidents and illnesses — including exams, diagnostics, surgery, and hospitalization. Can I visit any vet during an emergency? Absolutely. With Spot, you can visit any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada — no network restrictions or referral requirements. How much can I get reimbursed for an emergency vet bill? Depending on your plan, Spot can reimburse up to 90% of covered expenses after your deductible. How quickly are claims processed? Spot aims to make reimbursement simple and fast. Most claims are processed within 48 hours, helping you recover costs quickly. Does Spot cover follow-up care after an emergency? Yes. If the condition is covered under your policy, Spot also helps reimburse eligible follow-up visits and treatments after the initial emergency care. Key Takeaway When emergencies happen, Spot Pet Insurance is there to help — helping to give pet parents financial relief and peace of mind during stressful moments. With plans that cover eligible costs for accidents, illnesses, and emergency treatments, Spot helps you focus on what matters most: getting your pet the care they need, when they need it. With customizable plans, fast claims processing, and up to 90% reimbursement, Spot makes it easier for pet parents to handle the unexpected — because caring for your pet shouldn’t come with financial worry. Follow this link to learn more about pet insurance, or get a free quote today! Melina Acra, Author With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
By Louisiana REALTORS® August 25, 2026
Louisiana REALTORS® CEO Norman Morris issued the following statement after SpaceX announced plans to invest $100 billion in a new launch facility in Vermilion Parish. The project is expected to create 3,000 direct jobs and more than 8,100 indirect jobs across Acadiana. “SpaceX’s investment is an extraordinary economic win for Louisiana. We congratulate Governor Jeff Landry, Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois, Vermilion Parish leaders, and everyone who helped bring this historic project home. The housing and infrastructure improvements needed to support more than 11,000 new job opportunities should generate a huge economic boost to the Acadiana and Gulf Coast region. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, each typical Louisiana home sale generates approximately $88,600 in economic activity. Even if only half of the new SpaceX related jobs lead to a home purchase, the impact would generate nearly half a billion dollars across our state's economy. That improves our tax base and school systems, and ripples through our economy touching builders, bankers, hardware stores, appliance dealers, contractors and so many more. “Housing is not downstream of economic development; it is an essential infrastructure. Louisiana REALTORS® and our partners stand ready to help turn these new jobs into homes, stronger communities and lasting roots in Louisiana. Economic development creates jobs, but housing turns those jobs into homes. Let’s make Louisiana home again, together.” Economic-impact estimates are illustrative calculations by Louisiana REALTORS® using employment projections from Louisiana Economic Development and the National Association of REALTORS®’ estimated economic impact per typical Louisiana home sale. They are not forecasts or recurring annual-impact figures. Enjoy the video below from the Louisiana Department of Economic Development .
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By Louisiana REALTORS® August 17, 2026
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