Bank of North Dakota releases COVID-19 relief numbers

Bank of North Dakota (BND) released its final COVID-relief program numbers and amounts for the four programs it administered to stimulate economic recovery. The Bank utilized its network of banks and credit unions across the state to ensure the delivery of funds happened as quickly and efficiently as possible. Applications were accepted through November 30, 2020 for the programs.

“BND’s COVID-relief programs impacted businesses in nearly 400 business sectors across North Dakota,’ stated BND President Eric Hardmeyer. “This represents a significant effort between BND and the local lenders to deliver these programs to the businesses in greatest need.”

The Small Employer Loan Fund (SELF) assisted local financial institutions and certified development corporations in providing loans to  North Dakota businesses with 10 or less full-time equivalent employees to aid in their recovery from pandemic-related impacts. The proceeds of the loan, which had a fixed interest rate of 1%, could be used to support working capital needs, recurring expenses and replenish inventory. There were 910 loans for $30.8 million approved in SELF loans.

The COVID-PACE Recovery I Loan Program (CPR I) allowed local financial institutions to provide low interest loans for businesses in North Dakota to support working capital needs,  term out COVID-related bridge loans and credit card debt originated on or after March 13, 2020. There were 277 loans for $377 million, of which $35 million of CARES Act funds were used to buy down the interest rate to 1%. 

The COVID-PACE Recovery II Program (CPR II) utilized CARES Act funding so state’s hardest hit businesses could reduce interest expense accrued on eligible existing debt and did not need to be repaid. CPR II will grant nearly $35 million to 810 businesses.

Finally, the Ethanol Recovery Loan Program was created to provide low interest loans to support the economic recovery of North Dakota ethanol producers. Loan funds were used to support working capital needs of North Dakota-based operations at a 1% fixed interest rate. There were four loans for a total of $21.5 million approved for these loans. 

In addition to the disaster relief programs for businesses, six-month student loan payment deferrals were given to 8,899 borrowers, about 34% of the student loan portfolio in repayment. Loan deferrals were also granted to 241 commercial borrowers and 143 residential loan borrowers.