BUSINESS RESOURCES
We are working hard to gather the most up to date and informative information for you regarding COVID-19. We will continue to update the information as it becomes available.
March 2021
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.
This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
Join the South Florida District Office as we explore the next steps in the PPP process.
COVID-19 Economic Aid Overview Webinar
*Eventbrite access is required to register for the events.
(en español) Monday, March 1
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Monday, March 1
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, March 2
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
(en español) Wednesday, March 3
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, March 3
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.
This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
Join the South Florida District Office as we explore the next steps in the PPP process.
COVID-19 Economic Aid Overview Webinar
*Eventbrite access is required to register for the events.
(en español) Monday, March 1
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Monday, March 1
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, March 2
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
(en español) Wednesday, March 3
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, March 3
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite
PPP Forgiveness Webinar
*Eventbrite access is required to register for the events.
The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, published a revised, borrower-friendly Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness application implementing the PPP Flexibility Act.
Join the South Florida District Office as we explore the next steps in the PPP process.
Thursday, March 4
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Friday, March 5
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available at www.sba.gov/ppp and www.treasury.gov/cares.
*Eventbrite access is required to register for the events.
The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, published a revised, borrower-friendly Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness application implementing the PPP Flexibility Act.
Join the South Florida District Office as we explore the next steps in the PPP process.
Thursday, March 4
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Friday, March 5
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available at www.sba.gov/ppp and www.treasury.gov/cares.
EMERGENCY ORDER - 2020-09
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
On June 26, 2020 The Department of Business and Professional Regulation issued the following order, effective immediately.
All vendors licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises who derive more than 50% of gross revenue from such sales of alcoholic beverages shall suspend such sales of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises. Such vendors may continue to sell alcoholic beverages in sealed containers for consumption off the premises in accordance with Executive Order 20-7 I, Sections I.
Vendors who are also licensed as public food service establishments or "restaurants" under Chapter 509, Florida Statutes, may continue to operate for on-premises consumption of food and beverages at tables pursuant to the restrictions in Executive Order 20-139, so long as these vendors derive 50%or less of gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE ORDER
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
On June 26, 2020 The Department of Business and Professional Regulation issued the following order, effective immediately.
All vendors licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises who derive more than 50% of gross revenue from such sales of alcoholic beverages shall suspend such sales of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises. Such vendors may continue to sell alcoholic beverages in sealed containers for consumption off the premises in accordance with Executive Order 20-7 I, Sections I.
Vendors who are also licensed as public food service establishments or "restaurants" under Chapter 509, Florida Statutes, may continue to operate for on-premises consumption of food and beverages at tables pursuant to the restrictions in Executive Order 20-139, so long as these vendors derive 50%or less of gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE ORDER
RE-OPEN FLORIDA - PHASE 2 - JUNE 5, 2020
Click Here To View Complete Plan
Guidelines To Reopening Florida
- Bars and pubs can operate at 50 percent capacity
- Movie theaters can operate at 50 percent capacity
- All persons in Florida are encouraged to avoid congregating in groups larger than 50
- Vulnerable populations should continue to avoid crowds
Click Here To View Complete Plan
Guidelines To Reopening Florida
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CARES Act Presentation - Presented by: Brince Manning, Southeast Region Manager, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
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CAPE CORAL REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) SOUTH CAPE CARES PROGRAM
APPLICATION PROCESS OPENS JUNE 8, 2020
In response to COVID-19 and its impact on businesses, the Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) recently established a loan program to assist businesses with rent or mortgage assistance. The CRA is investing $300,000 in businesses located within the CRA special taxing district that were negatively impacted due to closures and other restrictions as a result of the pandemic.
Program highlights:
• Up to $5,000 to eligible businesses physically located in the CRA District since January 2019
• Funds can only be used for rental or mortgage payments
• Payment will be made directly to the applicant’s landlord or mortgage company
• Businesses are only eligible for one loan per business
• All completed applications will be time-stamped and processed in order
• Loans shall be forgiven on a sliding scale provided they remain open in the CRA District
To apply, please visit capecoral.net/COVID-19 and select “CRA South Cape Cares Assistance Program” from the navigation menu located along the left side of the web page. Completed applications and any required documents should be returned via email to southcapecares@capecoral.net
APPLICATION PROCESS OPENS JUNE 8, 2020
In response to COVID-19 and its impact on businesses, the Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) recently established a loan program to assist businesses with rent or mortgage assistance. The CRA is investing $300,000 in businesses located within the CRA special taxing district that were negatively impacted due to closures and other restrictions as a result of the pandemic.
Program highlights:
• Up to $5,000 to eligible businesses physically located in the CRA District since January 2019
• Funds can only be used for rental or mortgage payments
• Payment will be made directly to the applicant’s landlord or mortgage company
• Businesses are only eligible for one loan per business
• All completed applications will be time-stamped and processed in order
• Loans shall be forgiven on a sliding scale provided they remain open in the CRA District
To apply, please visit capecoral.net/COVID-19 and select “CRA South Cape Cares Assistance Program” from the navigation menu located along the left side of the web page. Completed applications and any required documents should be returned via email to southcapecares@capecoral.net
LEE CARES ASSISTANCE
CLICK HERE TO APPLY or Call (239) 533-CARE
Lee County Government is investing in Human & Business Services to provide immediate assistance for individuals, families and businesses.
Funds are available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act federal stimulus package.
Para asistencia en español, por favor llame 239-533-2273 LEE CARES FAQ
CLICK HERE TO APPLY or Call (239) 533-CARE
Lee County Government is investing in Human & Business Services to provide immediate assistance for individuals, families and businesses.
Funds are available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act federal stimulus package.
Para asistencia en español, por favor llame 239-533-2273 LEE CARES FAQ
LEE COUNTY COVID-19 RECOVERY CALL CENTER
Lee County has opened our Business Assistance Resource Call Center. Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm to answer questions on loan programs and assist the business in connecting them to the right resources. Call Center: 239-533-2273. Email: bizrelief@leegov.com. Webpage: https://www.leegov.com/covid-19/business
Lee County has opened our Business Assistance Resource Call Center. Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm to answer questions on loan programs and assist the business in connecting them to the right resources. Call Center: 239-533-2273. Email: bizrelief@leegov.com. Webpage: https://www.leegov.com/covid-19/business
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM: THIS LOAN PROGRAM REOPENED ON APRIL 27
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020. Click Here For More Information
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020. Click Here For More Information
REEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE COVID-19
If your employment has been negatively impacted as a result of the mitigation efforts in Florida to stop the spread of COVID-19, you may be eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance. Individuals who may be eligible for Reemployment Assistance may include. If you are having trouble accessing the online application, please download a Florida Reemployment Assistance Application and mail to: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, P.O. Box 5350, Tallahassee, FL 32314-5350 Click here for English | Click here for Spanish | Click here for Creole
If your employment has been negatively impacted as a result of the mitigation efforts in Florida to stop the spread of COVID-19, you may be eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance. Individuals who may be eligible for Reemployment Assistance may include. If you are having trouble accessing the online application, please download a Florida Reemployment Assistance Application and mail to: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, P.O. Box 5350, Tallahassee, FL 32314-5350 Click here for English | Click here for Spanish | Click here for Creole
- Those who are quarantined by a medical professional or a government agency
- Those who are laid off or sent home without pay for an extended period by their employer due to COVID-19 concerns
- Those who are caring for an immediate family member who is diagnosed with COVID-19
FLORIDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Florida Chamber has added a new page to their website with information about the Essential Services and Activities Order. They have added a comprehensive FAQ section dealing with essential businesses, COVID response, small businesses, employee benefits, and unemployment compensation. FLORIDA CHAMBER COVID-19 PAGE
The Florida Chamber has added a new page to their website with information about the Essential Services and Activities Order. They have added a comprehensive FAQ section dealing with essential businesses, COVID response, small businesses, employee benefits, and unemployment compensation. FLORIDA CHAMBER COVID-19 PAGE
US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is marshaling all its resources to help companies stay afloat and keep paychecks flowing to American workers and families; mobilize the business community to combat the pandemic; and help companies prepare for a safe, successful, and sustainable reopening of the economy. US CHAMBER RESOURCE PAGE
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is marshaling all its resources to help companies stay afloat and keep paychecks flowing to American workers and families; mobilize the business community to combat the pandemic; and help companies prepare for a safe, successful, and sustainable reopening of the economy. US CHAMBER RESOURCE PAGE
BRIDGE LOAN INSTRUCTIONS
The Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has created this document with instructions on completing a Bridge Loan. To apply, click here.
The Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has created this document with instructions on completing a Bridge Loan. To apply, click here.
SAVE SMALL BUSINESS GRANT FUND
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has launched the Save Small Business Grant Fund. Funded by contributions from corporate and philanthropic partners, the program provides $5,000 supplemental grants to small employers in economically vulnerable communities.
Visit the Save Small Business Fund page for more information, including eligibility and applications.
DUE TO HIGH DEMAND, THIS GRANT IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE, PLEASE KEEP CHECKING WEBSITE FOR UPDATES
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has launched the Save Small Business Grant Fund. Funded by contributions from corporate and philanthropic partners, the program provides $5,000 supplemental grants to small employers in economically vulnerable communities.
Visit the Save Small Business Fund page for more information, including eligibility and applications.
DUE TO HIGH DEMAND, THIS GRANT IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE, PLEASE KEEP CHECKING WEBSITE FOR UPDATES
ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS
NOTICE: Lapse in Appropriations
SBA is unable to accept new applications at this time for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)-COVID-19 related assistance program (including EIDL Advances) based on available appropriations funding.
Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you have suffered substantial economic injury and are one of the following types of businesses located in a declared disaster area, you may be eligible for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL): small business, small agricultural cooperative, and most private nonprofit organizations
Loan Amounts and Use: Substantial economic injury means the business is unable to meet its obligations and to pay its ordinary and necessary operating expenses. EIDLs provide the necessary working capital to help small businesses survive until normal operations resume after a disaster. The SBA can provide up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Your loan amount will be based on your actual economic injury and your company's financial needs, regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.
Eligibility and Terms: The interest rate on EIDLs will not exceed 4 percent per year. The term of these loans will not exceed 30 years. The repayment term will be determined by your ability to repay the loan. EIDL assistance is available only to small businesses when SBA determines they are unable to obtain credit elsewhere. A business may qualify for both an EIDL and a Physical Disaster Loan. The maximum combined loan amount is $2 million.
How to Apply: You can apply online for an SBA disaster assistance loan. You must submit the completed loan application and a signed and dated IRS Form 4506-T giving permission for the IRS to provide SBA your tax return information. For additional information, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
NOTICE: Lapse in Appropriations
SBA is unable to accept new applications at this time for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)-COVID-19 related assistance program (including EIDL Advances) based on available appropriations funding.
Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you have suffered substantial economic injury and are one of the following types of businesses located in a declared disaster area, you may be eligible for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL): small business, small agricultural cooperative, and most private nonprofit organizations
Loan Amounts and Use: Substantial economic injury means the business is unable to meet its obligations and to pay its ordinary and necessary operating expenses. EIDLs provide the necessary working capital to help small businesses survive until normal operations resume after a disaster. The SBA can provide up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Your loan amount will be based on your actual economic injury and your company's financial needs, regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.
Eligibility and Terms: The interest rate on EIDLs will not exceed 4 percent per year. The term of these loans will not exceed 30 years. The repayment term will be determined by your ability to repay the loan. EIDL assistance is available only to small businesses when SBA determines they are unable to obtain credit elsewhere. A business may qualify for both an EIDL and a Physical Disaster Loan. The maximum combined loan amount is $2 million.
How to Apply: You can apply online for an SBA disaster assistance loan. You must submit the completed loan application and a signed and dated IRS Form 4506-T giving permission for the IRS to provide SBA your tax return information. For additional information, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
FLORIDA SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY LOAN PROGRAM
Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury from COVID-19. The application period opens on March 17, 2020 and runs through May 8, 2020. The current allocation is $50 million to be shared among the state. The program is first come, first served. Small business owners with two to 100 employees located in Florida affected by COVID-19 can apply for short-term loans up to $50,000. These loans are designed to bridge the gap to either federal SBA loans or commercially available loans. DEO will work with every borrower to ensure that repayment of the loan isn’t an overwhelming burden. To be eligible, a business must have been established prior to March 9, 2020 and demonstrate economic impacts as a result of COVID-19.
Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury from COVID-19. The application period opens on March 17, 2020 and runs through May 8, 2020. The current allocation is $50 million to be shared among the state. The program is first come, first served. Small business owners with two to 100 employees located in Florida affected by COVID-19 can apply for short-term loans up to $50,000. These loans are designed to bridge the gap to either federal SBA loans or commercially available loans. DEO will work with every borrower to ensure that repayment of the loan isn’t an overwhelming burden. To be eligible, a business must have been established prior to March 9, 2020 and demonstrate economic impacts as a result of COVID-19.
RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE RELIEF FUND
The National Restaurant Association Education Foundation has created a fund to assist restaurant workers who have been negatively impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Employees can apply for a 1 time, $500 grant starting on April 2, 2020. Grants will be awarded on a first-come first-served basis. Awards will be limited to one grant per person. To apply visit: https://rerf.us/apply-for-aid/
The National Restaurant Association Education Foundation has created a fund to assist restaurant workers who have been negatively impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Employees can apply for a 1 time, $500 grant starting on April 2, 2020. Grants will be awarded on a first-come first-served basis. Awards will be limited to one grant per person. To apply visit: https://rerf.us/apply-for-aid/
CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF AND ECONOMIC SECURITY ACT (CARES Act)
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Having been signed into law shortly thereafter by President Trump, this critical legislation will provide emergency relief for American workers and businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CARES Act has approved $350 billion in emergency loans for small businesses to help them keep workers employed. In fact, if small businesses maintain or later restore their payrolls, they may not have to repay some—or possibly any—of the loan. We encourage you and your members to utilize the U.S. Chamber's Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist to help answer common questions and navigate the process.
Click Here to Download the Guide
To better understand the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and how it impacts you and your members, we encourage you to review our summary of the final bill which breaks down the final stimulus package and provides analysis for the business community. Links to the final bill text are included in the summary.
Click Here to Review the Legislative Analysis
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Having been signed into law shortly thereafter by President Trump, this critical legislation will provide emergency relief for American workers and businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CARES Act has approved $350 billion in emergency loans for small businesses to help them keep workers employed. In fact, if small businesses maintain or later restore their payrolls, they may not have to repay some—or possibly any—of the loan. We encourage you and your members to utilize the U.S. Chamber's Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist to help answer common questions and navigate the process.
Click Here to Download the Guide
To better understand the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and how it impacts you and your members, we encourage you to review our summary of the final bill which breaks down the final stimulus package and provides analysis for the business community. Links to the final bill text are included in the summary.
Click Here to Review the Legislative Analysis
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is currently available to small business owners located in all Florida counties statewide that experienced economic damage as a result of COVID-19.
These short-term, interest-free working capital loans are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources, such as sufficient profits from a revived business, receipt of payments on insurance claims or federal disaster assistance.
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is not designed to be the primary source of assistance to affected small businesses, which is why eligibility is linked pursuant to other financial sources. Note: Loans made under this program are short-term debt loans made by the state of Florida using public funds – they are not grants. Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans require repayment by the approved applicant from longer term financial resources. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is currently available to small business owners located in all Florida counties statewide that experienced economic damage as a result of COVID-19.
These short-term, interest-free working capital loans are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources, such as sufficient profits from a revived business, receipt of payments on insurance claims or federal disaster assistance.
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is not designed to be the primary source of assistance to affected small businesses, which is why eligibility is linked pursuant to other financial sources. Note: Loans made under this program are short-term debt loans made by the state of Florida using public funds – they are not grants. Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans require repayment by the approved applicant from longer term financial resources. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Centers for Disease Control Interim Guidance for Businesses & Employers
The Centers for Disease Control has developed Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to plan, prepare and respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). 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.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Centers for Disease Control has developed Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to plan, prepare and respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). 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.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
VISIT FLORIDA PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERS AND TOURISM WEEKLY CALLS
VISIT FLORIDA is coordinating weekly calls with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity on responding to COVID-19.
In support of the Florida Department of Health in response to COVID-19 in Florida, weekly conference calls began today for Florida's Private Sector and Tourism partners. Please join future calls using the call-in information below. Also see the attached file for additional details.
Florida JIC Private Sector and Tourism Conference Call
Every Wednesday
10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Call-In Information
Call-In Number: 888-585-9008
Private Sector Partner and Tourism Call Information - Hosted by the Florida Department of Health
VISIT FLORIDA is coordinating weekly calls with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity on responding to COVID-19.
In support of the Florida Department of Health in response to COVID-19 in Florida, weekly conference calls began today for Florida's Private Sector and Tourism partners. Please join future calls using the call-in information below. Also see the attached file for additional details.
Florida JIC Private Sector and Tourism Conference Call
Every Wednesday
10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Call-In Information
Call-In Number: 888-585-9008
Private Sector Partner and Tourism Call Information - Hosted by the Florida Department of Health
Florida Department of health hotline on covid-19
1-866-779-6121
This hotline is available 24/7
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