Small Business Resources
This is a rapidly changing situation. These resources and policies will be updated as frequently as possible, but should not be considered official documents.
NEW UPDATE: Updates to the PPP (July 6, 2020)
Also:
Small Business Guide to the First 3 COVID-19 Stimulus Packages (last update July 22, 2020) -
NUEVO - Versión en español
Tools & FAQs
+ Coronavirus Small Business Resource Center
SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer expert, business mentors, primarily funded by the SBA has put together a completely free resource center that provides specialized materials to support and assist small business owners as the situation evolves including the opportunity to request a remote, free business expert mentor who can assist with SBA disaster loan applications, debt and management and more.
+ Free Online Legal Clinic for COVID-19 Impacted Small Businesses
Lawyers for Good Government Foundation (L4GG), a non-profit network of more than 125,000 legal advocates with lawyers in all 50 states, announced the launch of its Small Business Remote Legal Clinic, offering pro bono legal consultations for small business owners to help them understand and act upon the options available under the COVID-19 stimulus package and other grant and loan programs that may be available to them.
+ COVID-19: FAQs for Small Businesses & Nonprofits
Main Street Alliance and Davis Law offices has compiled information from various sources and is being updated as more information is available, but should not be construed as legal advice. If you have specific questions relating to your business or organization, please contact your advisors, including your accountant or attorney.
+ Planning for a Coronavirus Pandemic - A Guide for Businesses and Organizations
A guide in plain language for how small business can plan for coronavirus. It gives clear steps businesses can take to create clear policies, communicate with staff, plan for employee absences and stay informed, amongst other tips.
Federal Responses
+ COVID-19 Stimulus Packages
On Friday, March 27, Congress passed a third relief package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill, called the CARES Act, includes a number of resources for small businesses. We have compiled some information (y una versión en español) to help you understand what assistance may be soon be available to you, and assistance available through the two prior relief legislations.
Email questions about the Paycheck Protection Loan Program to: pppquestions@sbc.senate.gov
Please note that this is general information based on our best knowledge as of March 27, 2020. Many details are not available yet. Please refer to federal and state agencies to confirm your eligibility and receive regular updates.
+ The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
Information from the US Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship. To keep up to date on when these programs become available, please stay in contact with your local Small Business Administration (SBA) District Office,.
+ Families First Coronavirus Response Act
On March 18, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed, and the President signed, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, with wide bi-partisan support in response to the growing coronavirus emergency in the United States. The bill contains several important provisions to address the crisis including Unemployment Insurance (UI), food security and emergency sick and family leave programs, including provisions which reimburse small businesses for paid leave costs.
+ Small Business Association: Federal Disaster Loans for Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Homeowners, and Renters
Information on loans to small businesses in emergencies such as the coronavirus pandemic. Includes information on loan amounts and use, eligibility and terms and how to apply.
+ National Emergency Declaration
Trump declared a national emergency over the coronavirus, freeing up additional resources and funding as federal, state and local governments attempt to combat the rapidly spreading disease. More on what will soon become available here.
+ Information from the FDIC
The FDIC is working with federal and state banking agencies, as well as, financial institutions to consider all reasonable and prudent steps to assist customers in communities affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). In addition, the agency is monitoring information issued by international and U.S. health organizations. Regulatory agencies have encouraged financial institutions to work with customers impacted by the coronavirus. Customers experiencing difficulties beyond their control should work directly with their financial institutions.
+ Key Principles & Guidelines for Emergency Action on Paid Sick Time During a Public Health Emergency
A guide from A Better Balance on paid sick time during public health emergencies.
+ Unemployment Insurance & COVID-19
Suggestions from the National Employment Law Project on how policymakers can mitigate job loss during the COVID-19 outbreak
State Responses
States are starting to take action to curb the economic and health impacts of COVID-19. Here are some state level reforms, policy ideas, and resources we've compiled as examples of effective local intervention:
+ What States and Local Governments Can Do
A policy analysis on the steps state and local governments can make to help mitigate the negative economic effects of the coronavirus.
+ Washington State Governor's Office: COVID-19 resource list for impacted Washington businesses and workers
The Governor’s Office has compiled this partial list of resources to support economic retention and recovery related to COVID-19 coronavirus. It includes information on financial assistance available, assistance with exports, assistance employees and workers, especially related to leaves of absence, and assistance on insurance.
+ Washington State Employment Security Department: Information for Workers and Businesses Affected by Covid-19
Washington state updated their UI program to better respond to and address the current coronavirus. The new rules allow current unemployment claimants who are in isolation or quarantine as a result of COVID-19 more leniency when it comes to UI deadlines and mandatory appointments, such as deadlines for applying for training programs. The rules also provide more leniency when it comes to financial penalties for employers who file their tax reports late, pay their taxes late, or miss deadlines as a result of COVID-19. This link included information on the update programs unemployment benefits for workers and businesses affected by the coronavirus, including information on eligibility and benefits. Includes FAQs and with information directed to both workers and business owners.
+ Wisconsin CDFI Grants
The program provides funds to Wisconsin-based Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to make grants to existing loan clients to mitigate short-term cash flow issues and protect jobs and public health in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Approved CDFIs will make program grants available to for-profit businesses meeting the following criteria:
- Current loan recipient in good standing as of 3/1/20 with the approved CDFI (and its collaborating CDFIs);
- 20 or fewer PT/FT employees;
- Greater than $0 but less than $2 million in annual revenues; and
- Preference should be given to service and retail businesses. Incentives and Available
Funding (FY20) : $5,000,000 The incentives in this program are grants to approved CDFIs to make grants based on identified need related to the impact of COVID-19 on affected businesses under the following conditions:
- Two months of payroll and rent expenses up to a maximum of $20,000; and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Program Guidelines for Fiscal Year 2020 Program
- Funds must be used for rent and payroll expenses, including covering paid leave (including sick, family and other leave related to COVID-19) during the duration of the funding period.
+ Expanding Oregon Unemployment Insurance
Oregon's guide to expanded Unemployment Insurance eligibility. Unemployment is different in each state, but here is an example of expanded eligibility that is a good model for those looking for innovative local solutions.
City Responses
Cities like Seattle and New York City have started to pass and implement plans to support small businesses and curb the short and long term economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out these city and local policy recommendations and resources:
+ Mayoral Proclamation of Civil Emergency: City of Seattle
The Proclamation of Civil Emergency made by Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan. It grants the Mayor emergency authority to take measures to address imminent threats to public health and safety caused by COVID-19, including the ability to bypass regulations and the steps normally required of City contracting and borrowing; the ability to forgo regulatory permits in order to site or implement facilities needed to address COVID-19, and the ability to immediately adjust the use and closure of City facilities and events as necessary to prevent continued spread of COVID-19.
+ NYC Small Business Services: Financial Assistance for Business Affected by COVID-19
Informational webpage for small businesses in New York city on the financial assistance being made available. Business can learn about eligibility and sign-up to be contacted when applications are being processed.
Anti Racist Action
As Coronavirus spreads, so does racism and ignorance. Check out this great anti-racist work at StopTheSpread.ca from the Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice.