NATIONWIDE — After months of trying to stay afloat through the pandemic, some American business owners were able to begin applying for another round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans Monday.

The first ones allowed in line include those who felt left out in the cold the first time around.

Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) were allowed to file for PPP funds ahead of others. CDFIs must commit responsible lending entirely to low-income or otherwise disadvantaged people. During the first round of the PPP over the summer, much of $522 billion was given to a small number of borrowers, some of them well-established as multi-billion-dollar corporations.

"The first round was hurriedly put together," explained Dave Oetken, director of Louisville's office of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center. "There was a pressing need and the idea was to get money out the door. I think the SBA and the treasury have learned a lot and, kind of, baked in some things here to reduce fraud, make sure the money goes to the right type of people."

After the program opened to first-time CDFI borrowers on Jan. 11, similar at-risk business owners who received funds during the summer's PPP funding are allowed to apply Jan. 13. 

As for everyone else, the Treasury Department website states their turn will come, "Shortly thereafter," and does not explain a more definite timeline.