Business Resources

COVID-19

ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES
Governor DeSantis released Executive Order 20-91 concerning safer at home, essential services, and essential activities in Florida through April 30, 2020.  Additional information can be found on the FAQs for EO 20-91.  A listing of essential services and activities is available on the Florida Division of Emergency Management website.

 

EMERGENCY BUSINESS LOANS

  • CARES Act (Paycheck Protection Program) – Congress has approved an additional $310 billion in emergency loans for small businesses to help keep workers employed.
    • The resources below provide additional information and guidance on the PPP:
      • Guides and checklists from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for small businesses and independent contractors to help determine eligibility and work through the application process. Learn more about this program and the EIDL program via this webinar with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.
      • SBA Guidelines and information on the Paycheck Protection Program.
      • US Treasury guidance for the Paycheck Protection Program (including useful, brief overviews for lenders and borrowers).  Updated PPP FAQs now available (as of May 13, 2020)
      • Find a nearby lender eligible to issue a loan under the PPP.
      • Download a sample application form.
      • NEW Loan Forgiveness Application – Application includes the form and detailed instructions.  Includes step-by-step calculations and new exemption for borrowers who have made a good-faith written offer to rehire workers that was declined.  The SBA will be releasing additional guidance to further assist borrowers and lenders.
  • Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are working capital loans to help small businesses meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a result of the disaster.  With the additional federal funding, including $50 billion in loans and $10 billion in grants, the SBA will resume processing EIDL Loan and Advance applications that are already in the queue on a first come, first-served basis.  Further information regarding the availability of the EIDL portal to receive new applications will be provided on the SBA Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources page.
    • These resources provide additional information and guidance on the EIDL:

          *Independent Contractors may be eligible for both of these loan programs (PPP and EIDL) –  Independent Contractor’s Guide to CARES Act Relief.

  • The Florida SBDC Business Disaster Recovery Assistance website has information to help you with your business recovery efforts. The Tampa Bay SBDC  can assist you with any of the available loan programs.
  • The initial Business Damage Assessment survey is available at FloridaDisaster.biz.  By completing the survey, you will be connected with agencies and will receive updated information.  This is an initial survey and it is acceptable to leave some fields blank until the full impact is known.  NOTE: After you initially submit your information you will receive an email asking you to confirm your account (check your spam folder). Please be sure to do that so that you can log back in to the site in the future.

 

BUSINESS TAX AND FILING INFORMATION

 

EMPLOYMENT UPDATES AND INFORMATION

  • The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has released some guidance on OSHA’s Response to Workplace Safety and Coronavirus Exposure.
  • The U.S. Department of Labor has issued its first round of implementation guidance pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFRCA). This information, including fact sheets for both employers and employees, Q&As, as well as required workplace posters can be found online here.
  • A quick guide for employers about the Coronavirus Paid Leave Programs is available here.
  • The Society for Human Resource Management has answers to common questions regarding coronavirus and HR.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Resources for Businesses and Employers will aid you in planning, preparing, and responding to coronavirus disease.
  • JobFocus.com has job openings in the Manatee-Sarasota area to help residents who are no longer employed find work.
  • CareerSource Suncoast serves Manatee and Sarasota Counties and offers resources for job seekers and employers.

 

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