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Articles

Don't Miss Your Chance for Loan Forgiveness with the CEBA Program!

Don't Miss Your Chance for Loan Forgiveness with the CEBA Program!
July 11, 2023

Act Now to Repay a CEBA Loan in Full before December 31, 2023 and Secure Up to $20,000 in Forgiveness.

At Driven, we stand by our commitment to assisting Canadian businesses during these difficult times. That is why we take pride in introducing our CEBA loan repayment program, specifically designed to aid business owners like yourself in leveraging the Government of Canada's loan forgiveness initiative of up to $20,000. Act fast to avoid missing out on this opportunity to alleviate some financial burdens.

Overview

The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) was implemented by the Canadian government as a means to assist small businesses impacted by the Covid pandemic. It offered interest-free loans, with a maximum amount of $60,000, to eligible businesses to assist them in meeting their day-to-day operational costs. Initially slated to conclude on December 31, 2022, the repayment deadline was extended until the end of 2023, granting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) additional time to manage their finances. However, since no further updates were provided regarding another extension when the government presented its budget in March, it is widely believed that the deadline is unlikely to be postponed once again.


What does that mean for a business? 

If a business received a Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan. Good news is in October 2022, the Canada Revenue Agency announced it was extending the loan repayment deadline to December 31, 2023. 

However, the borrower has less than a year to repay the loan without interest.

  • If the balance is not paid by December 31, 2023, the remaining balance will be charged 5% annual interest, paid monthly, effective January 1, 2024.
  • The full balance must be repaid by no later than December 31, 2025.

But there is something about loan forgiveness…How does that work?

Borrowers that met CEBA eligibility criteria and are in good standing are eligible to receive forgiveness if the outstanding balance of the loan (other than the amount available to be forgiven) is repaid on or before December 31, 2023.

If a business borrowed $40,000 or less, repaying the outstanding balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2023 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent

Example:
Maximum Amount Borrowed: $40,000
Amount Repaid By December 31, 2023: $30,000
Available Forgiveness: $10,000

If a business borrowed more than $40,000 and up to $60,000 repaying the outstanding balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2023 will result in loan forgiveness:

  • 25 percent on the first $40,000; plus
  • 50 percent on amounts above $40,000 and up to $60,000.

Example:

Maximum Amount Borrowed: $60,000

Amount Repaid By December 31, 2023: $40,000

Available Forgiveness: $20,000 ($40,000 x 25% + $20,000 x 50%)

How does Driven help you save money?

If a business borrowed $60,000 and cannot repay by the end of the year, this is what they would have to pay in 2024:

  • CEBA loan repayment amount if not paid by December 2023: $60,000
  • CEBA loan + Interest: $60,000 + 5% by the federal government 
  • Total repayment amount by 2024: $63,070 

A borrower can repay a CEBA loan by December 2023 using Driven as their financing partner.

  • CEBA loan repayment amount if paid by December 2023: $40,000
  • Loan forgiveness amount unlocked: $20,000
  • Driven loan + Interest: $40,000 + Interest depending on the business profile
  • Total repayment amount: As low as $44,000

Businesses can save up to 20K!

*Driven loans are subject to certain eligibility criteria and lender approval. Terms and conditions apply.

How to Get Started

  1. Learn how much you can save:

Use this loan forgiveness calculator to learn about how much you can save by paying off your balances by December 31st, 2023

  1. Visit our Website: 

Head over to our website to Sign in

  1. Get Pre-approved: 

If you are new, fill out the details about your business to get pre-approved for a credit limit.

If you are an existing customer, you do not have to complete this step

  1. Set up a loan: 

You can set up a loan and view your cost of borrowing before submitting the loan request.

  1. Unlock Savings and Support!

If you are happy with it, you can submit your request, once you are approved, you'll gain access to the exceptional savings and resources offered by the Driven CEBA Repayment Program. We'll be there every step of the way, providing support and guidance as you propel your business towards success.

Still not sure?

If you still have any questions or want further information, get in contact with one of our experts.

More resources

Advice and research for Canadian small businesses from our expert team

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