As the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation continues to escalate, the Amador Chamber is continuously working to collect and share resources to assist the business community in staying healthy, keeping staff informed and prepared, and to mitigate an economic downturn.
THE SMALL BUSINESS OWNER’S GUIDE TO THE CARES ACT
The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non-profits and other employers. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA.
Struggling to get started? The following questions might help point you in the right direction. Do you need:
- Capital to cover the cost of retaining employees?Then the Paycheck Protection Program might be right for you.
- A quick infusion of a smaller amount of cash to cover you right now? You might want to look into an Emergency Economic Injury Grant.
- To ease your fears about keeping up with payments on your current or potential SBA loan? The Small Business Debt Relief Program could help.
Review Full Guide to the CARES Act
Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Guide to Economic Industry Disaster Loans, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit, U.S Chamber of Commerce
Paycheck Protection Program Loan Summary
Paycheck Protection Program Application
CARES Act Flow Chart for Small Businesses
CARES Act family & individual rebates FAQ
Financial Resources:
Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance for a small business. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
- Video: How to apply for Coronavirus SBA Economic Disaster Assistance
SBA Funding Programs - Capital Access
- Incidents can strain a small business's financial capacity to make payroll, maintain inventory and respond to market fluctuations (both sudden drops and surges in demand). Businesses should prepare by exploring and testing their capital access options so they have what they need when they need it.
- IBank is offering loans from $500 to $10,000 to low-wealth entrepreneurs in the declared disaster emergency areas through its Jump Start Loan Program.
Local Resources:
San Joaquin Small Business Development Center, Free Business Coaching
- The San Joaquin SBDC offers free business coaching that can assist businesses in cash flow management, other sources of capital, and applications for disaster funding. Businesses can sign up for their services on their website to be connected with an advisor.
State Resources:
COVID-19 Top Resources for Employers (CalChamber)
CA Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) FAQ on COVID-19 for Employers
CA Labor & Workforce Development Agency - Resources for Employers and Workers
CA Employment Development Department Work Sharing Program
- Information about how employers can apply Unemployment Insurance Work Sharing Program if reducing hours/production
- An alternative to Layoffs
Rapid Response Services Fact Sheet for Businesses facing mass layoffs or closures
Labor & Workforce Development Agency, COVID-19 Resource for Employers and Workers
National Resources:
Coronavirus Emergency Loans: Guide and Checklist for Small Businesses
- 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.
Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward.
The administration soon will release more details including the list of lenders offering loans under the program. In the meantime, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has issued this guide to help small businesses and self-employed individuals prepare to file for a loan.
CDC, Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
FDA Statement about safety of Food Chain (for restaurants and suppliers)
National Restaurant Association, Coronavirus Information and Resources
- If your business needs help putting a plan in place, use the U.S. Chamber Foundation't toolkit created in partnership with the UPS foundation.
Combating the Coronavirus, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Resource and Guideline for Business
Coronavirus Management System, Prepare your Organization for COVID-19
Health & Safety Resources:
- The focus of a public health agency is to prevent rather than treat a disease through surveillance of cases and the promotion of healthy behaviors.