ABQ Times

Many local business owners in Albuquerque are wanting guidelines for when and how they can open, but as they wait there are several loan options available for them, Albuquerque Business First Editor-in-Chief Rachel Sams told KOB 4. 

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham extended the state's stay-at-home order until May 15, but hasn't given businesses many rules on what to expect, according to KOB 4. 

“Most businesses that we have talked to, what they really want to see is just some rules of the road,” Sams told KOB 4. “They want to know what they’re dealing with which is hard because it’s a fast-moving public health situation."

Businesses aren't demanding to reopen, she told KOB 4. In fact, most she have talked to prefer public safety over hastily reopening. 

But while businesses wait to reopen, there are financial aid options they can look into, according to KOB 4. 

The Paycheck Protection Program will give small businesses loans. If the owner uses a certain percentage of the loan on paychecks, the loan will be forgiven, according to KOB 4.

But Sams told KOB 4 the unemployment number in Albuquerque is expected to continue to rise as businesses continue to be affected by COVID-19. 

A list of resources for small business can be found on Albuquerque Business First's website.