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Payroll Protection (PPP) Loan Application and Forgiveness
SBA Emergency Loan - Helpful Documents
Upcoming SBA Disaster Loan Webinars (register here):
Coronavirus: Small Business Updates and Resources
Has your small business been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak?
As resources for become available we will post them on this webpage.
FEDERAL RESOURCES:
These resources can help small businesses develop a plan to protect their employees, lessen the financial impact of disasters, and re-open for business quickly to support the economic recovery of the community.
The Three Step Process: SBA Disaster Loans
While disaster loans have not been activated yet, small businesses can prepare by getting the appropriate documents gathered, using this PDF.
Information on:
PREPAREDNESS TOOLS:
Comprehensive and customized business disaster preparedness planning information, materials and training videos
Have you laid off employees or been laid off yourself?
The PA Department of Labor & Industry has waived the one-week waiting period to apply for Unemployment Compensation. Eligible claimants may receive benefits for the first week that they are unemployed. The fast way to apply is online: https://www.paclaims.pa.gov/UCEN/
For more information, visit ➡️ http://uc.pa.gov/
STATE RESOURCES:
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Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Coronavirus Resources
Information and guidance regarding COVID-19 in Pennsylvania.
Information regarding business preparedness and recovery.
OUR SBDC CENTER RESOURCES:
As we continue to monitor developments, the Pennsylvania SBDC recognizes that some of our clients and their small businesses may be negatively affected by the impacts of this global outbreak. To that end, we stand ready to work with clients as they navigate potential financial hardships. If you currently have any specific concerns or questions, reach out to your current consultant or complete our online consulting request form to schedule a time to meet.
Funding Resources:
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Lenders: Before going into default on a payment, consider asking for note modification.
Loan Modification: Lower Your Mortgage Payments and Avoid Foreclosure
How to Request a Loan Modification
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Progress Fund Loans
The Progress Fund has halted automatic withdrawals from borrower’s accounts and will not send out invoices for the month of April 2020.
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PAID SICK LEAVE –The House of Representatives passed a bill that would provide paid sick leave and family leave for employees of companies with fewer than 500 employees. The government would pay the businesses for this sick leave and family leave. Today, Senate leader Mitch McConnell announced that the Senate would go ahead and approve that bill as is and send to the President for signing. This also provides relief for independent contractors and gig workers who get paid by another company.
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$750 BILLION-$1 TRILLION STIMULUS BILL. A bill to try and shore up the American economy is coming. Republicans in the Senate are preparing a package – expected to be worth around $1 trillion while Democrats are working on a package of around $750 million. No details yet, but small business aid could be from $50 billion-$250 billion, and might include loans, grants, tax breaks. To put the dollar figure in perspective—keep in mind the airline industry is seeking around a $60 billion bailout, and that industry employs around 700k people, while small businesses employ almost 6 million Americans.
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CASH GRANTS FOR EVERY AMERICAN. There now appears to be serious bipartisan agreement for sending cash grants to every American and soon. This does not yet have a specific piece of legislation, so details are not known. Senator Mitt Romney suggested a payment of $1000 per person (likely to be lower per child), and this number seems to be getting some traction in Washington. This would also likely be phased out for higher income earners (which might be between $75k-$100k). Treasury Steven Mnuchin says he’d like these checks out in the next two weeks, but it is unlikely that that is possible—even if legislation is passed quickly.
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INCOME TAX PAYMENT DEFERRALS. Treasury Secretary Mnuchin said that both individuals and corporations could defer income tax payments for 90 days. I will look for more details. This would be a big help for those paying either quarterly taxes or taxes due in April (unless the filing date is delayed—which I suspect may happen).
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FACEBOOK GRANTS. Facebook has announced they will be providing $100 million in cash grants or advertising to small businesses. For more information go to www.facebook.com/grantsforbusiness
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KIVA LOANS. The nonprofit organization Kiva provides 0% interest loans to small businesses worldwide. They are expanding eligibility and the amount of loans provided during this crisis. For more information, go to: Support local businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic
OTHER RELATED RESOURCES:
State News Links
PA Department of Revenue
Updates from the PA Department of Revenue - https://www.revenue.pa.gov/Pages/AlertDetails.aspx
PA Response
https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/
Federal News Links
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses, and others affected by the coronavirus. This page will be updated as new information is available. https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
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National Main Street Center
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Main Street Resources
https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/resourcecenter/covid19resources - will include peer to peer tips and examples via "The Point" an online networking platform for Main Street America members.
Temporary Operational Changes
Remote Work
Tools for virtual meetings with employees, suppliers, customers; each with a free version: Zoom Basic Microsoft Teams Google Hangout
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PA Shared Work
Before laying-off staff, consider a shared work arrangement.
Rapid Response line: 717-503-7901
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Business Model Modification
Examples:
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Restaurants, breweries, etc. offering take-out and delivery service
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Personal training, yoga, music lessons, and other service providers offering remote delivery via livestream or other video/audio platforms
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Retailers offering virtual shopping via Skype/Facetime, personal shopping, delivery, curbside pickup
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Salons offering personal hair & skin care advising via Instagram, Youtube, etc, and requesting Paypal, Cash app, Venmo, or other online payment
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Arts-based entrepreneurs using Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/
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As the leader in Industry Intelligence, Vertical IQ has created a Web page to publish and monitor how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting industries and sectors of the economy.
This industry intelligence is valuable to your organization in the following ways:
● Understanding Customer Impact: As a value-added advisor to your customers, through more clearly understanding the virus’ impact on their businesses, you are better able to help them get through this challenge. Share this knowledge with your customers.
● Get Your Knowledge from a Trusted Source: Rather than learning about industries from bits and pieces of unreliable sources, get information from an experienced industry intelligence partner whose research team solely relies on trusted sources.
● Loan Monitoring: Track how specific loans and concentrations of loans may affect your bank.
● Loan Underwriting: With many businesses shut down, meeting payroll and other working capital requirements will be difficult. Use this Web page as an efficient way to see how similar businesses are being impacted.
The Governor has ordered that all restaurants and bars close their dine-in facilities to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Businesses that offer carry-out, delivery, and drive-through food and beverage service may continue to do so, but eating and drinking inside restaurants and bars is temporarily prohibited. These businesses offering carry-out, delivery, and drive-through food and beverage should employ social distancing best practices and be aware of the Trump Administration's guidance to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people. National Restaurant Association webinar - Preparing for the Coronavirus: Steps for Foodservice and Restaurant Readiness.
Essential services and sectors include but are not limited to food processing, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, feed mills, construction, trash collection, grocery and household goods (including convenience stores), home repair/hardware and auto repair, pharmacy and other medical facilities, biomedical and healthcare, post offices and shipping outlets, insurance, banks, gas stations, laundromats, veterinary clinics and pet stores, warehousing, storage, and distribution, public transportation, and hotel and commercial lodging.
Although these businesses may remain open, the Wolf Administration continues to encourage them to employ social distancing practices, and encourages Pennsylvanians to be thoughtful in their visits.
Other businesses, including but not limited to legal services, business and management consulting, professional services and insurance services are encouraged to have employees work remotely or telecommute. If that is not possible, they should employ social distancing best practices and be aware of the Trump Administration's guidance to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.
Non-essential businesses include public-facing industries such as entertainment, hospitality, and recreation facilities, including but not limited to community and recreation centers; gyms, including yoga, barre and spin facilities; hair salons and barber shops, nail salons and spas; casinos; concert venues; theaters; sporting event venues and golf courses; retail facilities, including shopping malls except for pharmacy or other health care facilities within retail operations.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
PAID SICK LEAVE FOR YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES
As of (11pm ET Monday), the House of Representatives passed the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” but it had not yet been passed by the Senate. Here are the details:
1. COMPANIES WITH 500 OR FEWER EMPLOYEES must provide:
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paid sick leave – 2 weeks paid leave at 100% of employee’s normal pay, up to $511 per day
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paid family and medical leave – additional 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave at 67% of normal pay, up to $200 per day (small businesses can apply for a waiver of this in some limited circumstances)
2. SMALL BUSINESSES WILL GET A TAX CREDIT TO COVER THE COSTS.
3. GIG WORKERS AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS get the same benefits in form of a tax credit.
What this means for you:
Small businesses: you must provide paid sick leave and/or family/medical leave for any of your payroll workers (not contractors). The government will pick up the cost of this paid leave—by applying a credit for your 6.2% payroll social security taxes. If the credit is insufficient to cover those costs, the government will pay you directly. You or your workers do not have to be sick to qualify! Anyone told to quarantine, who is exposed to the virus, showing symptoms, or needs to get tests or preventive care qualifies. Family leave is easier—up to 3 months of paid leave to adhere to quarantine, take care of a sick family member or a child who is home because of their school being closed.
Gig worker/independent contractor: if you are paid by another company (e.g., a ride share company, a caterer, a worker platform like Upwork, another contracting company), you’re eligible for a tax credit of up to 2 weeks sick leave at your average pay and 12 weeks of family/medical leave at 2/3 your average pay. The same caps apply--$511/$200 per day. You must show you had to comply with self-isolation or care for family members, including children whose schools had been closed due to the coronavirus. Tax credits will be applied against your tax payments, or you will get a rebate if your tax is lower than the credit.
This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this interim guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available.
The Pennsylvania Chamber Educational Foundation is presenting a free 1½ hour webinar as a public service to review the facts, legal aspects and the many employment considerations that surround the potential of employee exposure to the Coronavirus.
State News Links
Governor Wolf Requests Disaster Declaration for Small Businesses and Non-Profits to Obtain Loans
Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf today requested that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) implement an SBA disaster declaration to provide assistance in the form of SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for businesses and eligible non-profits in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania.
“The impact of financial losses related to COVID-19 will be felt for years to come,” said Gov. Wolf. “But these low-interest loans can help bridge the gap between economic losses now and economic recovery in the future.”
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. These 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.
The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
The application process will be facilitated online. Details on how to apply, as well as deadlines, will be established once the governor’s request is granted.
In addition to making sure that this federal funding for small business assistance is available, the Wolf Administration is working with the General Assembly to make sure state funding is available for small business assistance too. Small businesses can apply through the Small Business First Fund (SBD), an existing PIDA loan program. More information is available at www.dced.pa.gov/PIDA.
Federal New Links
CDC Recommendations for prevention
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/ COVID-19 Safety and Health Standards, Control & Prevention overview of information for workers and employers including links to OSHA standards and information for protecting workers from occupational exposure to COVID-19
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U.S. Export Import Bank of the United States (EXIM)
Exim has put together a factsheet with info about some of their programs and changes to policies given COVID-19. Here is a link to the fact sheet: https://www.exim.gov/fact-sheet-exim-covid-19-assistance
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National Main Street Center
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Main Street Resources
https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/resourcecenter/covid19resources - will include peer to peer tips and examples via “The Point” an online networking platform for Main Street America members.
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U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Recovery Quick Guide & Workplace Tips for Employers U.S. Chamber of Commerce https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/disaster-preparedness-and-recovery-quick-guides/small-business-recover
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Here is the direct link to the Coronavirus LibGuide page:
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Global Map of confirmed cases along with death and recovery statistics
Clinical Information Regarding COVID-19
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A Doctor's Outlook on what has happened and is yet to come in the US:
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Comparison to the common flu
To assist with business concerns relating to the spread of the Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19), Washington State SBDC has graciously provided access to their Disaster Planning & Recovery materials as well.
Disaster Planning & Recovery
Sometimes disasters strike without warning, such as earthquakes. Other times, we have a few days to prepare, such as an approaching hurricane. In the case of any natural or man-made disaster, small business owners should have a plan ready to go to ensure a smooth recovery from any business disruption.
The Pennsylvania SBDCs have experience helping small businesses secure federal or state disaster loans and provide post-disaster counseling to assist business owners in their recovery efforts. Below are some key steps that every business owner should take following a business disruption.
Four Things To Do After A Disaster
1. Contact your insurance carrier to file your claim. If you are leasing business space, ensure that your lease owner has contacted their insurance carrier. Take pictures of damage.
2. Once a federal disaster declaration has been made for your area (this can take several days post-disaster), contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency by phone or online at www.fema.gov to report any loss. FEMA will take your information, provide you a registration number and mail applicable loan applications to you. For business loss, FEMA will refer you to the U.S. Small Business Administration. FEMA Phone Registration 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 (speech & hearing impaired).
3. Contact the U.S. Small Business Administration to pursue low interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, non-profit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery & equipment, inventory and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster. Additional details on the locations of Disaster Recovery Centers and the loan application process can be obtained by visiting the SBA website, calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an e-mail to .
To obtain Disaster Loan Program information or to receive a status update on your loan request, call their customer service line at 1-800-659-2955 or email at . You can also visit a FEMA/SBA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in your area.
4. Contact your local SBDC for assistance with:
- Creating, updating and refining business disruption and continuity plans
- Acquiring capital, before and after the event
- Using cloud-based alternatives for critical business operations tools and infrastructure
- Developing mobile-ready strategies to prepare for employees working off-site when needed
- Expanding strategically through new markets online, abroad or with the government
- Finding ways to maintain connectivity during a business disruption
- Building an online presence including eCommerce to diversify sales streams
- Reviewing ways to optimize online performance through SEO and other website enhancements
- Discussing all available resources to your business including local, state and federal partners who provide disaster loans, disaster training and much more
For additional help, visit DisasterAssistance.gov. The website helps you:
- Find disaster assistance that meets your personal needs.
- Locate more than 70 forms of assistance from 17 federal agencies.
- Apply for disaster assistance.
- Reduce the number of forms you have to fill out.
- Check the status of your application.
- Locate a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) near you.
- Find a hotel or place to live.
- Find information on food and nutrition programs.
- Learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses.
