PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – Almost 20,000 South Dakota businesses were approved for “Paycheck Protection Program” loans through the Small Business Administration, coordinated in many cases by local banks.

South Dakota Bankers Association President Curt Everson says there are some big numbers.

Everson says there were some problems in accessing the loans.

Everson says the program will help many businesses survive.

Most of the loans will be turned into grants if businesses can hang on to their employees.