Federal Small Business Resources

The Department of labor has great information on common issues employers and employees face when responding to COVID 19 https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic.

The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. To learn how to apply, visit the US Small Business Administration’s website for COVID-19 response.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has a useful Frequently Asked Questions page regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Topics including Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation orders, and eligibility for paid sick leave.

For more information on Families First Coronavirus Response Act benefits and requirements, please see this Fact Sheet for Employees and Fact Sheet for Employers, available in both English and Spanish.

Available guidance also includes two new posters, one for federal workers and one for all other employees, available in both English and Spanish, that will fulfill notice requirements for employers obligated to inform employees about their rights under this new law, Questions and Answers about posting requirements, and a Field Assistance Bulletin describing WHD’s 30-day non-enforcement policy.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans & Emergency Economic Injury Grants

These grants provide an emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses and private non-profits harmed by COVID-19. Initially, it was anticipated that applicants would receive the funds within three days of applying for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), however, serious delays are being reported at this time. To access the advance, you first apply for an EIDL and then request the advance. The advance does not need to be repaid under any circumstance, and may be used to keep employees on payroll, to pay for sick leave, meet increased production costs due to supply chain disruptions, or pay business obligations, including debts, rent and mortgage payments.

For additional information visit Senator Chris Van Hollen’s Small and Medium Business, Non-profit Guide to the CARES Act.

Wash your hands, social distance and stay safe,

Pamela Beidle