The COVID EIDL Problem Is Much Bigger Than Our Small Business
Recently, I wrote about our small business’s experience with a COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan. I explained how we borrowed money during one of the most uncertain economic periods of our lifetimes, how interest began accumulating before our first payment was due, and how- after years of faithfully making payments- we still owe more than we originally borrowed.
After writing that article, I started wondering about something. How many other small businesses are in the same situation? So I started looking at the numbers. What I discovered made our individual experience seem like one very small part of an extraordinarily large story.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately four million small businesses and nonprofit organizations received Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Altogether, the federal government lent nearly $390 billion through the COVID EIDL program. Think about that number for a moment. $390 billion.
These weren’t primarily grants. They were loans. And behind those loans were millions of small businesses; restaurants, contractors, family-owned stores, consultants, manufacturers, service businesses and countless other enterprises, that were trying to survive an economic catastrophe they didn’t create.
For many of us, the EIDL program did exactly what it was intended to do. It helped us survive. But surviving the pandemic and surviving the loan may turn out to be two different things. Our experience raises a question that I believe deserves much more attention:
What has happened to those four million borrowers? How many are still making payments? How many owe as much as, or more than, they originally borrowed? How much of their monthly payment is going toward interest rather than principal?
How many have needed hardship accommodations? How many have become delinquent? How many loans have already been charged off? And perhaps most importantly: How many otherwise viable small businesses are now carrying COVID-era federal debt that could remain with them for decades?
This isn’t simply a story about borrowers who don’t want to repay money they borrowed. Most small-business owners I know understand what a loan is. We signed documents. We accepted the money. We have an obligation to repay it. But there is another side to this story.
The federal government encouraged small businesses to use EIDL loans as an economic lifeline during an unprecedented national emergency. Businesses were closed or restricted through no fault of their own. Revenue disappeared almost overnight. Owners were trying to save employees’ jobs, keep paying rent and utilities, and prevent businesses they had spent lifetimes building from disappearing.
The government offered them a bridge.Now we need to ask whether, for some businesses, that bridge has become an anchor. Our business is only one of millions. That is why I believe Congress, the SBA, small-business organizations, economists and journalists need to take another serious look at the long-term consequences of the COVID EIDL program.
We should know how much principal remains outstanding. We should know how much interest has accumulated. We should know how many businesses are delinquent or in hardship programs. And we should understand what these loans are doing to the smallest businesses in America. Because $390 billion isn’t merely a number on a government spreadsheet.
Behind every one of those loans is, or was, a business. Behind many of those businesses is a family. And behind those families are employees, customers and communities that depend upon small businesses continuing to survive. COVID may be behind us. The economic injury may not be.
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ABOUT THE ROLE The Office of Economic Development seeks a community-centered advisor to lead, guide, and support Seattle neighborhoods through the complex processes of forming and expanding Business Improvement Areas. This role blends technical expertise, policy fluency, data analysis, strategic advising, and community relationship-building to serve as the subject-matter expert on formation, assessment structures, and governance models. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Lead and facilitate formation across multiple neighborhoods simultaneously through the full lifecycle. - Provide expert technical assistance on assessment structures, sustainable funding models, and governance. - Analyze complex datasets including parcel characteristics, land use, and taxation data, utilizing GIS tools to map boundaries and run scenarios. - Develop tools, resources, toolkits, and policies that strengthen city support for early-stage operations. - Support newly formed areas in establishing governing boards, operational systems, and service delivery plans. - Facilitate high-stakes community engagement, building trust and navigating political dynamics among diverse stakeholders. - Oversee projects, consultant contracts, neighborhood grants, and program implementation while coordinating with city departments. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Experience in community engagement, coalition building, and stakeholder facilitation with diverse groups. - Background in place-based economic development, special assessment districts, or similar community-driven initiatives. - Ability to analyze complex property, land use, zoning, or taxation data and interpret assessment models. - Proficiency in using or directing GIS tools to map boundaries and evaluate district conditions. - Experience in policy development, program design, and project management for multistakeholder efforts. - Strong communication skills to synthesize data and legal requirements into actionable recommendations for decision-makers. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Passion for advancing the Race and Social Justice Initiative and committing to equitable, community-centered outcomes. - Dedication to reducing barriers faced by communities of color, immigrant-owned businesses, and historically underserved neighborhoods. - Eligibility for Language Premium Pay ($200 monthly stipend) if evaluated and assigned to provide direct in-language communication services. SELECTION PROCESS Applications are reviewed by a human hiring team without the use of artificial intelligence or automated screening tools to ensure an equitable process. Applications received by 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, receive first consideration. The hiring team evaluates transferable skills, growth mindset, and commitment to racial equity. HOW TO APPLY Submit your application online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle using Job Number 2026-00849. You must include a resume and a cover letter with your application. For accommodation requests or questions, contact Nicolette.Hornbeck@seattle.gov. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Seattle - Location: Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Ave., Seattle, WA (Flexible/Hybrid) - Department: Office of Economic Development - Job Type: Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time - Classification: Strategic Advisor 1, General Government -L17 - Job Number: 2026-00849 - Opening Date: 06/25/2026 - Closing Date: Continuous - Reports to: Business Districts Manager
ABOUT THE ROLE Under the direction of the Commissioner of Planning and Community Development, working closely with the Mayor's Office and senior leadership, this role is responsible for planning, directing, and managing comprehensive economic and workforce development initiatives for the City of Mount Vernon. The Director leads strategies to attract, retain, and expand businesses, strengthen the City's tax base, support redevelopment, and increase employment opportunities. The position also serves as Executive Director of the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency and requires adaptability, ethical behavior, leadership, and strategic thinking. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Collaborate with the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners to develop and implement an annual economic and workforce development strategic plan. - Design, enhance, and implement programs focused on business attraction, retention, expansion, and workforce development. - Promote initiatives advancing economic growth, equity, and inclusion, including support for small businesses and women- and minority-owned enterprises. - Build and maintain relationships with international trade organizations, chambers of commerce, and business leaders to identify trade and investment opportunities. - Develop and manage relationships with New York State agencies, real estate communities, workforce development boards, and the Small Business Administration. - Create customized economic development presentations, briefing materials, and talking points for visiting delegations and elected officials. - Facilitate visits and provide logistical, administrative, and protocol support for government and business delegations. - Oversee day-to-day administration of the economic development portfolio, including data collection, recordkeeping, and performance metrics reporting. - Supervise and implement activities of the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency, reporting to the Board of Directors and ensuring state law compliance. - Draft standard operating procedures for citywide economic development goals and cooperate with all city agencies. - Facilitate negotiations related to economic development projects, site plans, incentives, and job creation or retention commitments. - Identify, secure, and coordinate local, state, and federal funding resources, including IDA-related programs. - Represent the City in meetings with regional, state, and national organizations and coordinate with surrounding jurisdictions. - Oversee, mentor, and evaluate assigned staff; establish internal controls and operational procedures to ensure efficiency and compliance. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Candidates must meet one of the following options: 1. Bachelor's Degree from a recognized college or university in Economics, Urban Studies, Business Administration, Public Administration, International Relations, or a closely related field, and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, workforce development, program management, or a related field, including experience with international projects or partners. 2. Master's Degree in a related field and a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in government, economic development, or national economic engagement. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must be a resident of New York State. - Requires strong project management, analytical, and organizational skills. - Must demonstrate facilitation, negotiation, and relationship-management skills with public, private, nonprofit, and international partners. - Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multicultural, and multilingual environment. SELECTION PROCESS - Evaluation of submitted resumes and letters of interest against the required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience for the position. HOW TO APPLY - Submit resumes and letters of interest to: City of Mount Vernon, Department of Human Resources, 1 Roosevelt Square, Room 211, Mount Vernon, New York 10550. - Alternatively, submit via e-mail to: CityofMountVernonHR@cmvny.com. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Department: Planning & Community Development - Appointing Authority: City of Mount Vernon - Opening Date: March 5, 2026 - Closing Date: Until Filled - The City of Mount Vernon is an equal opportunity employer with zero tolerance for all forms of harassment or reprisal.
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About the Role Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations of alleged violations of the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) and/or Housing Code. You will gather and evaluate evidence, inspect properties, interview tenants and landlords, prepare legal cases for the City Attorney’s Office, negotiate settlements, and represent the City at public events. You may also act as a head investigator or supervise investigative support and public counter staff. Key Responsibilities Investigations & Inspections: Investigate RSO and Housing Code violations through property inspections, witness interviews, and evidence gathering. Legal Case Preparation: Compile, evaluate, and organize legal documents; conduct legal research; and prepare oral and written reports on investigative findings. Enforcement & Settlement: Prepare legal cases for referral to the City Attorney’s Office Criminal Division; negotiate complaint settlements and case closures with landlords and tenants. Public Representation & Leadership: Represent the City at public events to provide information about the RSO; act as a head investigator reviewing team work or supervise investigative support staff. Minimum Qualifications Meet one of the following: Bachelor’s Degree + Professional Experience: Graduation from an accredited four-year college/university + 1 year of full-time paid professional experience (meaning the position itself required a 4-year degree) investigating complaints, conducting inspections/interviews, researching laws, evaluating evidence, preparing reports, and compiling legal documents for civil/criminal enforcement. Paralegal Certificate + Experience: A paralegal certificate from a U.S. training program + 1 year of full-time paid paralegal experience investigating complaints, evaluating evidence, and preparing legal documents for civil/criminal enforcement. General Experience: 4 years of full-time paid experience performing the duties described above, with at least 1 year related to civil or criminal enforcement actions. Special Requirements & Strict Document Rules Driver’s License: A valid Class C California driver’s license is required. Disqualification will occur if the DMV record within the last 36 months reflects 3+ moving violations/at-fault accidents, or a major violation (DUI/DWI). CRITICAL Document Submission: Requirement #1: MUST list school name, location, degree type, and major in the Education section of the application. Requirement #2: MUST attach a copy of the paralegal certificate to the online application BEFORE submitting. Documents attached after submission will NOT be credited. Preferred: Experience in Housing Law is highly desired. Transcripts: Applicants may attach a copy of their qualifying degree and transcripts in the Attachments section to expedite the verification process. Selection Process & Test Dates Examination: Advisory Essay (Online) + Interview (100% weight). Advisory Essay: Administered online. Must be completed with substantive responses to all questions to be invited to the interview. Failure to complete it results in failure of the entire exam. Interview: Evaluates Analytical Ability, Interpersonal Skills, Written Communication, Fact Finding (investigative/interviewing techniques), and Job Knowledge (mediation, confidentiality). May be held in Los Angeles or online. Anticipated Test Schedule: Apply Mar 20, 2026 – Apr 2, 2026: Essay: May 11–18, 2026 | Interview: June 8–18, 2026 Apply Mar 19, 2027 – Apr 1, 2027: Essay: May 10–17, 2027 | Interview: June 7–17, 2027 Passing Score: A final average score of 70% or higher is required to be placed on the eligible list. Restriction: You may take this examination only once every 18 months. How to Apply & Application Deadlines Filing Period 1: Friday, March 20, 2026 to Thursday, April 2, 2026 Filing Period 2: Friday, March 19, 2027 to Thursday, April 1, 2027 How to Apply: Applications are ONLY accepted online at governmentjobs.com/careers/lacity. Note: The examination may close without prior notice once a sufficient number of applications are received. Applicants are urged to apply early! Employment Details Benefits: Employee benefit coverage (health, dental, life insurance) commences approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Disaster Service: All City employees are required to be Disaster Service Workers. EEO & Accommodations: The City of Los Angeles is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations for disabilities can be requested by completing the Disability Accommodation Form within 14 calendar days of application submittal.
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