Connecting small businesses with useful resources to help manage the economic impact of COVID-19.

The CARES Act

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act establishes the Employee Retention Credit—a refundable, 50 percent payroll tax credit covering up to $10,000 per employee, including benefits, from the period of March 13 to December 31.

• FAQs: Federal Coronavirus Relief Bill [Tax Foundation 4.1.20].

• Coronavirus Tax Relief: Instructions for Non-Filers [IRS]

• Unemployment Relief & Assistance [National Law Review 3.30.20]

• Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents [Federal Student Aid 4.1.20]

Emergency Relief Funds

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): The PPP is a provision of the CARES Act that has allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. The program provides forgivable loans to nonprofits, sole proprietors and small businesses with fewer than 500 employees if they maintain employment levels for the eight weeks after origination of the loan, or rehire employees already laid off by June 30. Applicants can use the loan to cover payroll, benefits, rent or mortgage, and debt. Applicants need to apply through a local bank. List of banks providing Paycheck Protection Program loans.

Economic Injury Loans

Small agricultural business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. This advance will provide economic relief to agricultural businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. This loan advance will not have to be repaid.

• COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources [U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)]

• Nonprofits and Coronavirus [National Council of Nonprofits]

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a list of coronavirus relief options with details on each program.

The U.S. Chamber of commerce offers this Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist.

Protecting Your Finances

Protecting Your Finances During the Coronavirus Pandemic [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)]

Transit and Transportation of Goods

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a national emergency declaration to provide hours-of-service regulatory relief to commercial vehicle drivers transporting emergency relief in response to COVID-19.

Bandwidth Access

Federal Communications Commission. In order to ensure that Americans do not lose their broadband or telephone connectivity as a result of these exceptional circumstances, broadband and telephone service providers, and trade associations were asked to take the Keep Americans Connected Pledge. So far, more than 700 companies and associations have signed.

Resources to Help Workers

Department of Labor/Coronavirus. Resources to help workers and employers prepare and cope with the coronavirus. Plus, a state-by-state list of workforce agencies. Check to see what grants and programs states are offering to small businesses.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You’ll find: Information for workers and employers about the evolving coronavirus outbreak. Includes links to interim guidance and other resources for preventing exposures to, and infection from, the coronavirus.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). List of disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers. You’ll find: Recommended strategies for employers to use now and recommendations for an Infectious Disease Outbreak Response Plan.

Federal Income Tax Filing and Payment Deadline Extension

IRS/Coronavirus. The IRS has created a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. Also, see Treasury and IRS Issue Guidance on Deferring Tax Payments Due to COVID-19 Outbreak.

Mentoring and Advice

Expert mentors offer free, personalized assistance to address the current crisis. Remote mentoring services are available via phone, email, video and chat. Find a mentor today.

Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council. Small business owner’s guide to the CARES Act, “What’s in the CARES Act” webinar, and guides to SBA COVID-19 disaster relief.

Facebook Small Business Grants Program

Facebook has committed to offering up to 30,000 small businesses $100 million in cash grants and Facebook advertising credits. Sign up to get more details from the company.

Google for Small Business

Resources to help keep customers informed, adjust advertising, adapt to new customer behavior, run your business remotely, free digital skills training.

Lender and Corporate Small Business Assistance Programs

Many banks have offered deferment and forbearance to business loan customers having trouble making payments. Check Forbes’ list of banks offering relief. You can also search for your bank on the American Bankers Association’s ongoing A-Z list of coronavirus response programs.