§ 4279.101 Introduction.

(a) Content. As of October 1, 2020, this subpart is specifically applicable to and only contains loan processing regulations for Business and Industry loans under the authority of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (Pub. L. 116-136) to provide B&I guarantees for loans needed as a result of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic for working capital loan purposes to support business operations and facilities in rural areas (B&I CARES Act Program Loans). Some of the requirements of this subpart are waived or altered for B&I CARES Act Program Loans. The waivers and alterations are provided in § 4279.190 of this subpart. This subpart is supplemented by subpart A of this part, which contains general guaranteed loan regulations, and subpart B of part 4287 of this chapter, which contains loan servicing regulations. Other than the B&I CARES Act Program Loans, this subpart is no longer used for loan processing requirements for Business and Industry (B&I) loans guaranteed by the Agency. Requirements for regular B&I loans (other than the B&I CARES Act Program Loans) may be found at 7 CFR part 5001. (b) Purpose. The purpose of the B&I Guaranteed Loan Program is to improve, develop, or finance business, industry, and employment and improve the economic and environmental climate in rural communities. This purpose is achieved by bolstering the existing private credit structure through the guarantee of quality loans that will provide lasting community benefits. It is not intended that the guarantee authority will be used for marginal or substandard loans or for relief of lenders having such loans. (c) Documents. Whether specifically stated or not, whenever Agency approval is required, it must be in writing. Copies of all forms and regulations referenced in this subpart may be obtained from any Agency office and from the USDA Rural Development Web site at http://www.rd.usda.gov/publications. Whenever a form is designated in this subpart, that designation includes predecessor and successor forms, if applicable, as specified by the Agency.