What’s in $2T coronavirus bill for small businesses, workers, gig economy

Here are some of the funding to be made available to small businesses, employees and “gig economy” workers as provided in the $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill passed by the US Senate late Wednesday. (Passage by the House is still required; a vote could be taken as soon as Friday)

Highlights:

Small businesses:

Includes $350 billion in loans for companies with 500 employees or fewer, including nonprofits, self-employed people and hotel and restaurant chains with no more than 500 workers per location
Government provides eight weeks of cash assistance through loans to cover payroll, rent and other expenses, much of which would be forgiven if the company retains workers
$17 billion to help small businesses repay existing loans
$10 billion for grants up to $10,000 for small businesses to pay operating costs

Emergency unemployment insurance:

$260 billion. Includes extra 13 weeks of coverage for people who have exhausted existing benefits
Covers part-time, self-employed, gig economy workers
Weekly benefit increase of up to $600