The Virginia-based Blue Ridge Bank has launched a platform to help distribute emergency financial assistance to independent professionals and independent contractors.

The platform, EasyPPPzy, is part of an ongoing partnership with SK2 Capital and is designed to distribute Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.

The EasyPPPzy platform is a digital PPP application portal that helps apply for and distribute repayable PPP loans to independent professionals and independent entrepreneurs. Gig economy workers, freelancers, drivers and contractors can now complete their P3 application online.

“Self-employed professionals, including freelancers and workers in the odd-job economy, are a crucial part of our economy and we realized early on that they faced substantial barriers to accessing Covid relief funds. -19 “, said Roger Saad, Managing Director and Founder of SK2 Capital. “We have worked to change that by using technology to make it easier for eligible people to access and apply for a PPP loan online.”

The launch follows news that the Small Business Administration (SBA) PPP application deadline has been extended to May 31.

The American Lending Center (ALC), a non-bank lender to U.S. businesses, said in a statement: “The program extension is a big relief for current and future applicants across the country, as recent rule changes have created arrears and delayed loans to many small business owners. “

CEO John Shen added: “At American Lending Center, we’ve been thrilled to hear about the extension – we’ve seen our P3 loans have a profound impact on underserved communities from coast to coast. The big banks are not always ready to guide the small businesses in our country.

Meanwhile, Bank of Southern California, a commercial bank headquartered in San Diego, reported that as of March 31, 2021, it had funded a total of $ 229 million in PPP loans since the program was renewed at the start of the year. The loans helped finance 1,578 small local businesses.

The bank said it was able to help hundreds of small businesses in low and moderate income areas through its outreach efforts to support all businesses in need, not just customers.