Reopening Resources for Businesses UPDATE
UPDATE FOR BUSINESSES
Business Relief Programs | Business Resources & Assistance |
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New: Paycheck Protection Program Extended to August 8 Congress extended the PPP program. The new deadline to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan is August 8, 2020.
Talk with a Business Consultant FREE of charge to determine if the PPP is appropriate for your business. Register with CT SBDC for free consulting services.
PPP Loan Forgiveness Applications - Revised
Now there's an EZ version of the PPP forgiveness application that applies to borrowers that:
All other businesses should use the Revised version of the PPP forgiveness application. Old Saybrook Reopening Permitting Expanded Outdoor Activities Application The Town of Old Saybrook has created an Expedited Permit Application Process for businesses wishing to expand outdoor activities as allowed under Governor Lamont's Executive Order 7MM for Restaurant and Retail Businesses. Learn More
Required Re-Opening Signage Workplace signage is among the state’s May 20 requirements for all employers. CBIA has the following posters available free to download, print, post, and share: required general safety and prevention steps required notice for employee health monitoring and exposure response required notice about PPE use required notice for social distancing guidelines required notice for transmission controls required notice for reporting concerns
CT Business Self-Certification All businesses are required to self-certify through the State of Connecticut prior to opening May 20th. Complete the Self-Certification on the DECD website to receive a Reopen CT badge. Once complete, businesses can the badge onsite and on social media to advertise adherence to CT rules and build customer confidence.
CLEANING/DISINFECTING Tips from ISSA and Reopen CT Business Advisory Group Member EBP Supply Solutions Cleaning and Disinfecting for the Coronavirus What is the Difference Between Cleaning & Disinfecting? Protect Your Facility from Coronavirus Maximize Your Facility’s Disinfectant Supply During a Shortage
CT Visit Wants to Promote Your Reopened Business Contact Jean Hebert at CTVisit for your free listing.
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application The SBA has released Paycheck Protection Program Loan forgiveness rules and answers to many commonly asked questions. Instructions detail payroll cost calculations, non-payroll expenses, full-time equivalent rules, and more. Learn More
Tax Credits for COVID-Related Paid Leave The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides tax credits to reimburse employers for the costs of providing paid sick leave and paid family and medical leave to employees unable to work because of the coronavirus (COVID-19). These credits are refundable. That means if the amount of the credit exceeds the amount of tax owed, the remainder is refunded to the business or organization.
Open OS! A Recovery Taskforce has been established in Old Saybrook to oversee local reopening actions. Updates will be included daily through COVID-19 EOC postings on the town website under the heading "Recovery Taskforce - Open OS!". Contact the Economic Development Office at (860) 395-3139 if you have questions or recommendations about reopening your business.
Self-Employed Can Apply for Unemployment The Connecticut Department of Labor (CT DOL) began accepting claim applications for the self-employed on April 30. Many self-employed individuals may be eligible to collect unemployment insurance benefits under the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.
Under the federal guidelines, self-employed individuals must first apply through the Connecticut Unemployment System and then will be able to apply on the state's PUA online system beginning May 4 after receiving a letter confirming eligibility.
Searchable List of Business Relief Grants Duke University has created a searchable list of Financial Relief Grants for businesses and non-profits.
Financial Support for Artists CT DECD Office of Arts and Culture has several programs to support artists financially impacted by the coronavirus. Application deadline: May 4, 2020.
EMPLOYER HIRING NEEDS - POST COVID-19 Workforce Alliance is poised to support you as you re-engage your employees and hire to relaunch your business. Help us help you by sharing your needs. Workforce Alliance offers several work-based learning wage reimbursements and other programs to help you find and train the right people for your operations. Worforce Alliance Employer Survey Learn More About Workforce Alliance
Hartford Economic Development Corporation (HEDCO) Minority-owned and women-owned small businesses negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic now have access to a 0% interest line of credit.
The COVID-19 Business Response Program Line of Credit provides a qualifying minority or woman-owned small business with 20 or fewer employees a zero-interest Line of Credit for up to $20,000.
Protect Your Credit Rating If your payments on loans and credit cards were current prior to the health crisis, the CARES Act and the Lamont administration have ensured your credit rating will be protected if you have challenges paying your debts due to the health crisis.
This article from CNBC about How to Protect Your Credit if the Pandemic Affected You Financially recommends steps to take to protect your credit rating. Anyone who may have a problem keeping up with their payments needs to be very proactive and call their lending institutions and credit card companies to work out payment plans in order to protect their credit rating.
In CT, Gov. Lamont has gone a step further and worked out a deal with banks to provide Mortgage Relief without credit score impact. Individuals need to be proactive and contact their mortgage lenders.
Manufacturing Innovation Fund Voucher Program Notwithstanding any prior grants under this MVP program, manufacturers realigning or expanding capacity and capabilities to respond to the shortages of critical medical equipment and supplies shall be eligible for a one-time grant up to $75,000. Eligibility shall be determined by DECD based on market prioritization; i.e. Shortages at the time of application.
The CT Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has one of the most comprehensive websites with information about federal and state programs to assist businesses. The website is being updated as information becomes available. Need Help Navigating Business Relief Options? Sign up for FREE Business Consulting & Advice: CT SBDC Sign Up.
CT Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD) website also provides a comprehensive list with summaries of programs. Call the DECD Hotline for business assistance with any question: (860) 500-2333
CT DRS Extends Sales & Room Occupancy Tax Payments to May 31, 2020 - March 31 CT Department of Revenue Services (DRS) has extended the date for filing Sales and Room Occupancy Tax payments to May 31, 2020. Taxpayers that have $150,000 or less in annual Sales Tax liability qualify for an automatic extension of time to file and pay. Similarly, taxpayers that have $150,000 or less in annual Room Occupancy Tax also qualify for this relief. A taxpayer that collects both Sales Tax and Room Occupancy Tax must evaluate each tax separately to determine eligibility for relief.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Effective April 1, 2020
Employers with fewer than 500 employees must comply with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act effective April 1, 2020. Affected employers are required to post the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act Notice on or before April 1, 2020. The U.S. Department of Labor has posted Families First Coronavirus FAQs for employers and for workers.
The Act ensures 100% reimbursement to employers for the cost of providing employees with coronavirus-related Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave. Employers will receive immediate dollar-for-dollar tax offset against payroll taxes.
Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees may qualify for exemption from the requirement to provide leave due to school closings or child care unavailability if the leave requirements would jeopardize the viability of the business as a going concern.
Governor Lamont Directs Non-Essential Industries to Reduce In-Person Employees - March 23 As of 8pm Monday, March 23 Governor Lamont's Executive Order 7H directs all non-essential businesses and non-profits to reduce the in-person workforce at each business location by 100% from pre-state of emergency declaration employment levels. The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has compiled a list of Essential Businesses on its website.
Guidance for Non-Essential Businesses: Non-essential businesses may continue activities conducted off-site and/or by telecommuting or working from home. Retailers may be staffed on-site, provided that they only offer remote ordering (e.g. phone, internet, mail, dropbox) and curb-side pick-up or delivery. Businesses and nonprofits may allow staff or third parties on site to the minimum extent necessary to provide security, maintenance and receipt of mail and packages.
Tax Day Now July 15 - March 23 The US Treasury Department and the IRS have extended the federal tax filing deadline to July 15. Taxpayers can defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program – Businesses and some non-profits in all CT Counties impacted by the health emergency are eligible for disaster assistance. Loan applications can be submitted through a Three Step Process (for information in Espanol click here).
Payments Deferred on Existing SBA Disaster Loans
CT Department of Labor (CTDOL) FAQs - The CT DOL has posted a FAQ sheet for employers and workers:
Shared Work
CT Department of Revenue Services (CTDRS) Extends Filing Deadline for Certain Annual State Business Tax Returns
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Local PPE Resources
Face Shields Stencil Ease of Old Saybrook is manufacturing face shields that they have found are desired by industry professionals who want their facial expressions to be seen while minimizing contamination risk such as counselors, dentists, optometrists, hair stylists who may find it hard to social distance.
Surgical Masks, KNMasks & Hand Sanitizer Northeast Medical Products of Old Saybrook is a source for surgical masks, KN95 masks and hand sanitizer. Commercial accounts can get a box of 50 3-ply ear loop masks for $45, KN95 2-packs for $10, and 8oz of hand sanitizer for $7.95. Purchases can be made over the phone (860) 388-1437, by fax (860) 388-0368, or by walk-in. Purchases can be picked up or shipped. The cost of shipping within Old Saybrook is $5. Outside of Old Saybrook, UPS charges apply.
Face Masks Barker Specialty in Cheshire is owned by Old Saybrook resident Steven Barker and supplies PPE to hospitals and first responders throughout the US. He is offering face masks, hand sanitizer and other PPE to businesses and municipalities. Barker Specialty will also donate $5 to a local charity or organization for every 50-count box of masks purchased. Steven will deliver the masks so business can avoid the $7.50 shipping charge.
Reusable Face Masks Regift the Wrap of Old Saybrook has repurposed their Reusable Fabric Wrapping Paper as facemasks. Purchase on Etsy while supplies last.
Reusable & Customizable Face Masks Custom Designs & Embroidery of Old Saybrook has reversible cloth face masks that form fit around the nose for $10 and can make personalized screen printed cloth face masks that form fit around the nose for $12. Contact Nancy at (203) 209-6875 or cde.embroidery@gmail.com.
Infrared Thermometers for Small Business Any small business in the state that has between 2 and 100 employees is eligible to receive one FREE thermometer per physical address. Apply Now CLEANING/DISINFECTING Tips from Reopen CT Business Advisory Group Member EBP Supply Solutions Cleaning and Disinfecting for the Coronavirus What is the Difference Between Cleaning & Disinfecting? Protect Your Facility from Coronavirus Maximize Your Facility’s Disinfectant Supply During a Shortage
CT Department of Economic and Community Development (CT DECD)
Small Business Reopening Survey Advance CT is assisting the Governor Lamont's Reopening Task Force gather input. It's worth your time to fill out the survey so the committee fully understands what you need to reopen successfully.
Advance CT is also assessing worker sentiment with regard to going back to the workplace. Please ask your employees to take this survey. It will help the Reopening Task Force understand how to assist you in successfully bringing your employees back into the workplace.
Business Assistance Hotline - (860) 500-2333
CT Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) FREE Resources & Assistance
COVID19 Business Resource Center
The Small Business Administration (SBA)
Guidance for Businesses and Employers
Workforce Alliance
Resources for businesses seeking employees and to workers seeking employment. Learn more about the Workforce Alliance programs available to support you as you re-engage your employees and hire to relaunch your business.
Survey of EMPLOYER HIRING NEEDS - POST COVID-19
Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce
COVID-19 text message notifications (free). Text COVID19OS to 888-777
Weekly conference call for the Business Community with Chief Spera, Emergency Management Director on Saturdays at 10am. Check the website on Fridays for call-in details.
CBIA
The U.S. Department of Labor
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
FREE Business Advising:
CT Small Business Development Center
CT Women’s Business Development Centers
Contracting Assistance - CT Procurement Assistance Center
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