On March 20, the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Bureau of Financial Institutions, issued a statement notifying Maine banks and credit unions that they may participate in two new lending program coordinated by the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) to provide assistance to borrowers affected by Covid-19. The Covid-19 Relief Consumer Loan Program will be administered by FAME in partnership with Maine financial institutions. FAME also has partnered with the United States Small Business Administration to offer different loan products to Maine-based businesses affected by Covid-19. Lenders are encouraged to evaluate the new programs as a way to assist Maine’s consumers and businesses.