Millions of small businesses relied on federal loans to survive the economic disruption and forced shutdowns seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, a fraction of borrowers are under scrutiny as federal officials ramp up efforts to recover funds and prosecute suspected fraud.
Want to see whether a business or organization received a PPP loan? The Democrat and Chronicle maintains a searchable database of PPP borrowers. Access the database here.
Recently, two prominent Rochester-area entities found themselves the target of recent investigations.
The Genesee Valley Club agreed last week to pay $1.05 million to settle allegations that it applied for and received a Paycheck Protection Program loan it was ineligible for. The club called the loan a government error.
In a separate lawsuit, the Van Bortel Automotive Group is accused of withholding information that would have made its dealerships ineligible for the $7.3 million they received in federal aid between 2020 and 2021. Owner Mary Catherine “Kitty” Van Bortel denied any allegations of fraud and said her attorneys are looking into the complaint.
How to search for PPP borrowers
At the height of the pandemic, federal officials approved 11.5 million low-interest loans totaling nearly $800 billion. Most were later forgiven by the government. And more than 700,000 loans became a lifeline for small businesses in New York.
Federal authorities this year, however, promised a state-by-state review of the program to “identify fraudsters and recoup stolen tax dollars” after they say nearly 1 million PPP loans were flagged as suspicious.
The Democrat and Chronicle’s database is here. (Being listed in the database is not a sign that the person or entity is suspected of fraud.)
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— Kayla Canne covers community safety for the Democrat and Chronicle with a focus on immigration, police accountability, government surveillance and how people are impacted by violence. Follow her on Instagram @bykaylacanne. Get in touch at kcanne@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: PPP loans back in the spotlight. Search our database
Reporting by Kayla Canne, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kayla Canne, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
