![Biden to Boost Pandemic Lending to Smallest Businesses](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2020/11/GettyImages-1210840134.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Biden to Boost Pandemic Lending to Smallest Businesses
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Joe Biden is targeting federal pandemic assistance to the nation's smallest businesses and taking steps to further equity in what is known as the Paycheck Protection Program.
The administration is establishing a two-week window, starting on Wednesday, in which only businesses with fewer than 20 employees can apply for the forgivable loans. Such businesses are the majority of small businesses in the U.S.
Biden's team is also carving out $1 billion to direct toward sole proprietors, such as home contractors and beauticians, the majority of which are owned by women and people of color.
![AM 1240 WJON logo](https://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/11/attachment-wjonam-alexacard-big.jpg?w=100)
Get our free mobile app
The Minnesota Twins' 2021 Offseason Adds
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Stearns History Museum’s John Decker; My Life [AUDIO]](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-John-Decker-young.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Big Brothers Big Sisters Kicking Off Recruitment Campaign](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-2h-media-xGn1-bDVu8U-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St Cloud Drivers – Its a Roundabout – Not a 4-Way Stop](http://townsquare.media/site/66/files/2021/07/attachment-Roundabout.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![If You Like Odd Pizza Ingredients, This Might Be the Best in Minnesota](http://townsquare.media/site/66/files/2024/07/attachment-Zorbaz-Pizza-1.png?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud Man Sentenced for 2022 Murder](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/03/attachment-Paul-Coleman.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Huge Muffin Recall From This Minnesota Favorite Bargain Store](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/07/attachment-joshua-flores-via-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![I-94 Project Between Monticello and Albertville Starts Soon](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2018/04/Road-Construction.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Buckvold Looking to Lead St. Cloud As Next Mayor](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/04/attachment-thumbnail_20240206-AnneBuckvold-LakeGeorgeStCloud-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Support And Unity: Sherburne County Leaders Condemn Violence In Political Disagreements](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Trump-AssassinationAttempt-GettyImages.jpg?w=980&q=75)