The Paycheck Protection Program is a federal loan program intended to help small businesses survive the coronavirus pandemic by providing them with funds to cover certain payroll costs, including benefits, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. According to court documents, Mills submitted fraudulent documents using interstate wires purportedly from three businesses under his control.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan is a separate federal program providing low-interest loans and grants to small businesses that experience substantial financial disruptions due to federally declared disasters, including the coronavirus pandemic.