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Business Resources during COVID-19
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Business Guidance
Business Guidance for Reopening Your Business
Preparing Buildings for Re-Entry
Retailers- Staying Safe Through Each Phase
OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces
CDC Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting
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SMALL BUSINESS GUIDANCE OVERVIEW >> A resource guide for all small businesses
(As of March 26, 2020): The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the “CARES Act” passed the U.S. Senate last night, March 25, and is headed to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration as soon as today March 26. This is a $2 trillion stimulus bill which will provide economic relief to individuals, families, small businesses and other sectors of the United States economy that took a hard hit due to the pandemic. Once this is passed in the House and signed by President Trump, most provisions are available to individuals and businesses almost immediately.
FIND OUT MORE: FEDERAL RELIEF PLAN
ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS: What You Need to Know- Updated March 30
Our local banks understand that the current situation regarding COVID-19 has caught us all by surprise and is causing financial hardships for many. They are willing to work with their customers to help you get through this tough time.
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The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was signed in by President Trump and goes into effect on April 1st. The two main provisions of this Act are as follows: 1) Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (new) and 2) Emergency Family Medical Leave Expansion Act. The FFCRA Poster must either be sent to employees (if tele-working) or be posted in a common area for those employees still working. This applies to both public and private companies (under 500 employees).
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Our future is connected. Small businesses strengthen the economy and make the world more vibrant; you create jobs, as well as unique products, services and spaces. In these trying times, your communities are depending on you.
Many small businesses are hurting right now. We know you’re putting your all into not just surviving but becoming more creative and resilient than ever. When the dust clears from the current crisis, it’s the fearless innovation and tireless hard work of small businesses that will light our way to a brighter future.
We want to honor that spirit and show some love to small businesses to help you ride out this storm. That’s why we’re committing to providing $1 million in grants for small businesses in the U.S. Whether you’re making the move to selling and shipping online or you’re ramping up your safety and cleanliness measures to keep customers and employees safe, we want to help you keep moving forward.
Each grant recipient will receive $5,000, plus a $500 credit from FedEx Office that can be used for printing banners, posters, floor graphics, custom branded boxes, and more.
Application portal opens on May 25, 2020.
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Georgia has been issued a Disaster Declaration by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
What this means is that the SBA is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Georgia small businesses that are suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can't be paid because of the disaster's impact.Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
APPLY FOR AN ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN (EIDL)
OVERVIEW OF SBA EMERGENCY LOAN OPTIONS
Understanding the Loan Application Process
The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities and will be deferred for months.
- Small Business is defined as having < 500 employees
- Loans may be taken to continue paying employees who may have been temporarily sent home (non-productive) during this unpresented COVID-19 Virus outbreak
- If employees are working from home and continuing to be productive for the company, this will not apply
- Assuming all employees paid via these loans are called back to full-time employment following the COVID-19 event, Paycheck Protection Loans become “Forgivable” Loans
Overview- PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
Application- PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
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The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the “Paycheck Protection Program,” the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll during this emergency. Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward.
Small Business Guide and Checklist for Coronavirus Emergency Loans
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American Farmland Trust has created a Farmer Relief Fund, which will award eligible farmers with cash grants of up to $1,000 each to help them weather the current storm of market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 crisis. The initial focus will be on farms that sell at farmers markets or to restaurants, caterers, schools, stores, or makers who use farm products. That focus could change over time as the negative impacts of the crisis become more widespread within U.S. agriculture.
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The U.S. Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the U.S. Department of Labor (Labor) announced that small and midsize employers can begin taking advantage of two new refundable payroll tax credits, designed to immediately and fully reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave to their employees. This relief to employees and small and midsize businesses is provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Act), signed by President Trump on March 18, 2020. Contact your accountant or financial adviser to find out which tax credits you are eligible for.
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SCORE mentors can assist you with your financial questions. Here are the ways that SCORE can help:
- SCORE mentors can help you identify funding sources.
- We can work with you on your financial statements and other information that you'll need to prepare to apply.
- Once you receive your loan, our mentors can help you determine how best to use the funds to ensure your business's survival.
- If you're denied a loan, we can help you figure out your next steps and find alternate sources of funds.
SCORE mentors can meet with you remotely-- by phone, email, and video-- so you can get the financing to keep your business running.
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Employers are required to file partial claims on behalf of their employees whenever it is necessary to temporarily reduce work hours or there is no work available for a short period. Any employer found to be in violation of this rule will be required to reimburse GDOL for the full amount of unemployment insurance benefits paid to the employee.
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Restaurant Owners: This document outlines the procedures for Employee Health and Closure of Dining Rooms. Operations are to be shifted to take-out/drive-thru/delivery. The number of customers allowed inside the establishment must be limited to no more than 10 at a time if they come to pick up an order. (See "Protect Your Customers" section of the document.) Also, there must be clearly marked waiting areas that allow customers to remain at least 6 feet apart while picking up their food.
UPDATED GUIDANCE FOR RESTAURANTS
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Grow with Google Remote Work hub includes resources and free tools to help your teams works smoothly, and help you stay connected to the communities you serve. You will find information on how to:
- Work from anywhere: Best practices for effective communication and collaboration while working remotely and meeting via video conferencing.
- Teach from anywhere: Support virtual learning and host workshops from anywhere using collaborative tools.
- Learn from anywhere: Share training content through digital resources so that the people in your community can access online courses and curriculum.
New helpful site for small businesses with additional tips and recommendations to navigate during this time of uncertainty for their employees and customers.
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Facebook for Business knows that businesses may be experiencing disruptions resulting from the global outbreak of COVID-19. They know that a little financial support can go a long way, so they are offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits to help during business during this challenging time.
FACEBOOK SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS
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With the increasing news and concern regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus, ACE Women's Business Center continues to monitor the developing situation and would like to share with our clients some resources available and valuable information for small businesses. If you would like to schedule a one-on-one consultation via videoconferencing or telephone with our business consultants, please email them at acewbc@aceloans.org, and they will be happy to schedule an appointment.
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No business should have to close their doors as a result of the #COVID19 pandemic. That’s why the U.S. Chamber Foundation is teaming up with a coalition of companies to establish the #SaveSmallBusiness Fund and provide $5,000 grants to help employers get through the days and weeks ahead. These one-time supplemental cash grants are for businesses that have between three and 20 employees and operate in an economically vulnerable community. The grant application goes live on Monday, April 20 at 3PM ET.
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The Hart County Chamber of Commerce seeks to provide access to recommendations, regulations, services and expertise to its members. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this mission remains constant. Prior to acting, members should consult their own professional advisors for information and counsel specific to the individual and unique situations faced by organizations, individuals and corporations. The opinions, interpretations and recommendations of the Hart County Chamber are informational only and should not be relied upon by the recipient as legal or professional advice. The Hart County Chamber makes no representations as to the accuracy or reliability of the content contained herein. Users of this information accept any and all risks associated with the use of such information and agree that the Hart County Chamber has no liability to user.
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Connecting Business with Community