GWHCC Coronavirus (COVID-19) Assistance for Small Biz

At the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, we are trying to gauge the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic on the region's small businesses. To that end we have established this resource page to provide the most recent and updated information and recommendations that businesses, employees, families and individuals can take to lessen the Coronavirus outbreak in the community.

The GWHCC Foundation Announces: COVID-19 Relief Measure for Communities – Business Owner/Client Grant and Loan Application Assistance
Small businesses are facing extreme circumstances during this unprecedented time with the COVID-19. The GWHCCF would like to offer additional comprehensive support to help District of Columbia’s business owners, communities and employees grappling with the impact of COVID-19.
We are deploying our consultants to meet urgent needs of small businesses in need of flexible capital whether through grants, loans, or temporary shutdown assistance. 

To get started, we ask you complete and submit this application to the best of your ability.

 Click Here to access the Business Owner/Client Grant and Loan Application Assistance form

SURVEY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 
Guidance For Employers - How to plan and respond to the Coronavirus
  1. Workplace Tips - Tips and resources for employers to combat the virus
  2. Corporate Aid Tracker - How businesses are helping nationwide
  3. Resilience in a Box - A toolbox to help businesses put a plan in place (created by the US Chamber Foundation in partnership with the UPS Foundation)
  4. More Resources - Including consolidated, business-specific guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  5. Interim Recommendations for Facilities with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CDC – 3/12/20)
  6. Key EPA Resources on the Coronavirus Disease
  7. State of Michigan Guidance/Resources for Employers and Workers
  8. U.S. Chamber/CDC Webinar
  9. Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit
  10. Coronavirus Paid Leave Programs: Employer Guide
  • Businesses, Employers, & Employees
  1. WHO: Getting your Workplace Ready 
  2. CDC: Interim Guide for Business and Employers
  • Empresas, Empleadores y Empleados
  1. Prevención del Coronavirus en los negocios
  2. Seguro de desempleo

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION RESOURCES
​​For more information and updates, visit SBA.gov/PaycheckProtection or Treasury.gov/CARES 
  • Coronavirus Relief Options
  1. Paycheck Protection Program
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) now maintains an online list of active Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) lenders, organized by state.
  1. Please visit https://www.sba.gov/document/support--paycheck-protection-program-participating-lenders or click on the link below to view the list of PPP lenders (downloadable as a PDF).
  2. EIDL Loan Advance
Major enhancements have been made to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, a federal disaster relief loan designed to better serve and support small business communities still reeling from the pandemic, especially hard-hit sectors such as restaurants, gyms, and hotels, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which manages the program.
EIDL was designed to help small businesses meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Applications are open now, with a Dec. 31 deadline for submission.
Key changes being announced by the SBA include:
Increased COVID EIDL Cap. The SBA will lift the COVID EIDL cap from $500,000 to $2 million. Loan funds can be used for any normal operating expenses and working capital, including payroll, purchasing equipment, and paying debt.
Deferred Payment Period. The SBA will ensure small business owners will not have to begin COVID EIDL repayment until two years after loan origination so that they can get through the pandemic without having to worry about making ends meet, according to the SBA.
30-Day Exclusivity Window. To ensure Main Street businesses have additional time to access these funds, the SBA will implement a 30-day exclusivity window of approving and disbursing funds for loans of $500,000 or less. Approval and disbursement of loans over $500,000 will begin after the 30-day period.
Expanded eligible use of funds. COVID EIDL funds will now be eligible to prepay commercial debt and make payments on federal business debt.
Simplified affiliation requirements. To ease the COVID EIDL application process for small businesses, the SBA has established more simplified affiliation requirements to model those of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.
The enhancements will allow greater and more flexible support from the $150 billion in available COVID EIDL funds. Additionally, these changes will help entrepreneurs access capital at a time when, according to a recent Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses survey, 44 percent of small business owners report having less than three months of cash reserves, and only 31 percent reporting confidence in gaining access to funding.
“Many small businesses continue to be hurt because of the pandemic, and the more tools we have to help them bridge this crisis the better,” said Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. “Enhancing the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is a powerful way that the Small Business Administration can help more small businesses obtain the funds they need to meet financial obligations during this unprecedented time.”
How to apply
Eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and agricultural businesses in all U.S. states and territories can apply.  Visit www.sba.gov/eidl to learn more about eligibility and application requirements. Applicants should file their applications as soon as possible.
For additional information on COVID EIDL and other recovery programs, visit www.sba.gov/relief. Small business owners may also contact SBA’s Resource Partners by visiting www.sba.gov/local-assistance.
  1. SBA Express Bridge Loans
  2. SBA Debt Relief
  •  SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronvirus
  1. Areas eligible for SBA disaster loans
  2. Economic Injury Disaster Advance Loan
  3. Other Coronavirus Assistance
  •  Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
  1. Coronavirus Funding Options
  2. Guidance for Businesses and Employers
  3. Local Assistance
  4. Join the SBA's Relief Efforts
  5. SBA Products and Resources
  6. Government Contracting
  • Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
  • Paper-based application materials may be downloaded for printing at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/PaperForms.
  • Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for help in completing the application process.
  • Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339.
  • Completed paper-based application packets should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. 
  • The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is December 17, 2020.

CORONAVIRUS AID IN THE DISTRICT
To mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Mayor Muriel Bowser issued Mayor’s Order 2020-04: Prohibition on Mass Gatherings During Public Health Emergency - Coronavirus (COVID-19).
View the Mayor's Order here.
For the most up-to-date information on the Coronavirus in the DMV region, please visit the DC Coronavirus website at coronavirus.dc.gov/.

Update on Educational and Academic Retail Shops (EARS) Pilot
On Friday May 15, Mayor Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) launched applications for the Educational and Academic Retail Shops (EARS) Pilot. The EARS pilot will grant waivers to local educational and academic retail shops to do curbside and front door pickup. All sales are advance purchases (pre-ordered online or by phone) only.
The program has now expanded to include card shops, florists and sundries.
The stores will need to agree to share data and information with us about their operations. The goal with this pilot is to learn important lessons about reopening while ensuring safe operations.
The District Government will only allow certain non-essential businesses to operate if operators submit and get approved a COVID-19 EARS Waiver request to operate during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Eligibility
  • Example non-essential businesses like bookstores, art supplies stores, toys stores, office supply stores, music stores, card shops, florists and sundries.
  • Your principal business is physically located in Washington, DC; and 
  • Independently owned and operated. 
How to Apply 
During this public health emergency, the need to protect the public health is paramount. The District seeks to ensure that public health is protected while providing access to retail options at these stores. In the application process, you will be expected to provide information about an operations plan that includes curbside and pick operations place with safe social distancing or contactless exchange, enforcement plan, shutdown plan, and sanitization plan.
To apply and for more information, follow this link.
Following your application submission, you will be contacted about your waiver status via email within 24 hours.
Support DC Businesses
Buy gift cards from DC area businesses to help them get through the cash crunch caused by COVID19. https://supportdc.com/

CORONAVIRUS AID IN MARYLAND
  • COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund - Workforce Development and Adult Learning
Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland Department of Labor have launched the new COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund, which is designed to support businesses undergoing economic stresses due to the pandemic by preventing or minimizing the duration of unemployment resulting from layoffs. The award (up to $50,000 per applicant), will be a quick deployable benefit and customizable to the specific needs of your business to minimize the need for layoffs.
Labor is accepting grant applications from small businesses for awards from now through 30 days after the State of Emergency ends (subject to funding availability).
  1. ✔ View the One Pager
  2. ✔ COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund Policy
  3. ✔ COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund Application (Excel)
Submit your completed application to: [email protected].
Labor staff will process applications within two business days of receipt. Upon approval and receipt of signed contract, payment will be expedited.
  •  Maryland Announces Emergency Relief Funds for Businesses
  1. Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund - This $75 million loan fund, created for for-profit businesses only, offers no interest or principal payments due for the first 12 months, then converts to a 36-month term loan of principal and interest payments, with an interest rate at 2% per annum.
  2. Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund - This $50 million grant program for businesses and non-profits offers grant amounts up to $10,000, not to exceed 3 months of demonstrated cash operating expenses for the first quarter of 2020.
  3. Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund - This $5 million incentive program helps Maryland manufacturers produce personal protective equipment (PPE) that is urgently needed by hospitals and health-care workers across the country. More details to come by this Friday, March 27, 2020.
  • Comptroller of Maryland
Extended tax deadlines
June 1 extension due date for business returns with due dates during the months of March, April and May 2020 for businesses filing sales and use tax, withholding tax and admissions & amusement tax, as well as alcohol, tobacco and motor fuel excise taxes, tire recycling fee and bay restoration fee returns.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQEkgMg3ll0&feature=youtu.be
  • Department of Commerce -  Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund
This $75 million loan fund (for for-profit businesses only) offers no interest or principal payments due for the first 12 months, then converts to a 36-month term loan of principal and interest payments, with an interest rate at 2% per annum.
https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/maryland-small-business-covid-19-emergency-relief-fund-programs 
  • Department of Commerce -  Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund
This $50 million grant program for businesses and non-profits offers grant amounts up to $10,000, not to exceed 3 months of demonstrated cash operating expenses for the first quarter of 2020.
https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/maryland-small-business-covid-19-emergency-relief-fund-programs
  • Department of Commerce - Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund
This $5 million incentive program helps Maryland manufacturers to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) that is urgently needed by hospitals and health-care workers across the country. 
https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/maryland-small-business-covid-19-emergency-relief-fund-programs
  • Department of Labor - MD Layoff Aversion Fund - Workforce Dev and Adult Training
The award (up to $50,000 per applicant), will be a quick deployable benefit and customizable to the specific needs of your business to minimize the need for employee layoffs.
Now through 30 days after the State of Emergency ends (subject to funding availability).
http://labor.maryland.gov/employment/covidlafund.shtml

CORONAVIRUS AID IN VIRGNIA
  • Fairfax County approves $2.5M in small business coronavirus relief micro loans
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a $2.5 million Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Fund that will provide loans of up to $20,000 to eligible Virginia businesses.
The micro loans will be principle and interest-free for six months, and carry a six-year term with an interest rate of 3.75% after the initial six months.
Loans will be available on a first come, first served basis to small businesses based in Fairfax County with fewer than 50 total employees. In addition to demonstrating financial hardship due to COVID-19, companies that apply must prove financial viability and have no outstanding tax liens or legal judgments.
  • Arlington County rolls out coronavirus relief grants for small businesses
Arlington County, Virginia, has approved a grant program for small businesses in the county that have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
A limited number of grants of up to $10,000 are available when the application process begins next month.
The $674,000 being used to fund the GRANT (Giving Resiliency Assets Near Term) Program is being reallocated from existing Arlington Economic Development grant funds in the fiscal 2020 budget.
“In our outreach to our business community, we’ve heard that access to financial assistance was what they needed more than anything. We’re hoping these funds can bridge the gap for businesses and help them stay afloat during this challenging time,” said Arlington Economic Development Director Telly Tucker.
  • The BID Contributes $100k to Support Rosslyn Small Businesses During the COVID-19 Crisis
The Rosslyn BID announced that it will provide $100,000 in critical relief to Rosslyn small businesses as part of the Arlington County Small Business Emergency GRANT Program (Giving Resiliency Assets Near Term). The GRANT Program is designed to help small businesses – many of whom have been left behind in federal relief efforts – with grants of up to $10,000 for businesses with fewer than 50 employees. View the full release here.
While the application period will open in early May, we encourage our small businesses to sign up now to be notified when the process goes live and get important updates about the GRANT Program at arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com/covid-19/grant-information.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Public Resources Businesses and Non-Profits Resources Stay Connected Resources in Multiple Languages Helpful Tips in Planning Ahead
  • Review human resource policies. Consider flexible work options. This can mean telecommuting, different worksites or flexible schedules. Remind employees if they're sick, they should stay home.
  • Create an employee communications plan. Share accurate information with employees as situations develop. Basic information, like what the virus is, how it spreads, and how to take care of one's self, can go a long way to prevent rumors and misinformation. Think ahead about how you will communicate in case one of your employees becomes sick.
  • Plan ahead for how you will handle absenteeism. Michigan schools have been cancelled, which will force many employees to stay home to care for children.
  • Coordinate with state and local public health officials as needed.
  • Make a business continuity plan. Be prepared to execute a new strategy, if necessary. Think of alternative suppliers, critical customers or how to continue operations.
  • Review travel policies and plans. The latest guidance from the CDC can be found on the CDC website.
Stay Healthy
A little planning can ensure smooth business operations and protect public health at the same time. 
All individuals should continue to take the following basic personal-hygiene measures to prevent the spread of the virus:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer;
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
  • Avoid handshakes;
  • Avoid contact with sick people who are sick; and
  • Stay home when you are sick.
Recognize the Symptoms of COVID-19
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Difficulty Breathing 
Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
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800 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-728-0352 | [email protected] | sitemap