<h3>Big Business CEOs and the Wealthy Coast Through Process as Small Businesses Owners Put Through Wringer</h3>
<p>The Trump Small Business Administration’s ‘Paycheck Protection Program’ established under the CARES Act was billed as a lifeline for small businesses struggling to survive the historic COVID-19 health and economic crisis. Yet since the program’s introduction, multiple large, publicly-traded companies – many taking advantage of a special interest loophole – have been revealed to have claimed tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer assistance meant for Main Street businesses on the brink of bankruptcy. All of this happening amidst a stunning lack of transparency from SBA.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the program has been plagued with reports of legitimate small businesses  — especially those owned by people of color — that were unable to access the help the President claimed would come in “record time”. They have faced a bureaucratic maze often ending in delays and rejection as banks reportedly prioritized those “with the best relationships — not the neediest or most deserving.”</p>
<p>Instead of getting money into the hands of those who need it most as quickly as possible, the PPP program burned through its original funding in a matter of days while dozens of large firms, some worth more than $100 million, reportedly received millions in taxpayer aid. Among them were several large-restaurants and hotels that pay their executives millions and have access to credit and capital streams unattainable to most small business owners.</p>
<p>And it will continue to happen – until Congress or the Trump Administration brings more transparency and fairness into the process.</p>
