Thank you to SBDC Michigan for the following information:

On June 15, 2020, the SBA announced that it was again opening up its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) 
grant and loan program.

Independent Contractors
Freelancers
Gig Workers
are eligible to receive
a $1,000 grant
that does not have to be repaid

You must have been in business as of January 31, 2020. The grants are available until December 16, 2020, but...

SBA will quickly run out of money
so you should apply as soon as possible

Here are some tips from Forbes Magazine - FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS:


  • On the first question, check the third box as you are applying as an independent contractor or sole proprietorship.
  • You must add your Social Security number if you are applying as an individual independent contractor, freelancer, or gig worker.
  • The form will ask you for the gross revenues for the last 12 months for your independent contractor business and the “cost of goods sold.” You can estimate this based on what happened in 2019. Cost of goods sold means the expenses incurred in the process of providing your product or service as a freelancer, gig worker, or independent contractor.
  • Where it asks for“Owner” put your name and “100” percent owner.
  • It will ask for the date the business was established. This is the date you started doing freelance, gig work, or independent contractor work. Just estimate if you don’t have the exact date, but make sure it was before January 31, 2020.
  • The form will ask for the bank account to which you want the grant money direct deposited. You need the name of your bank, the account number (the middle number at the bottom of your checks), and the routing number (the number at the bottom left of your checks). See the question below on direct depositing.
  • For your business phone number, it’s okay to give your cell number.
  • Is your business owned by a business entity?” The answer is no since you are an individual owner.
  • When the form asks for your business name, just enter your individual name if you don’t have a business name.
  • You can ignore the question “If anyone assisted you in completing this application …” unless you have in fact gotten help.
  • Make sure to check the box that says you want to apply for the $10,000 grant (although it will only be $1,000 for independent contractors, freelancers, and gig workers).