RESTART Etowah

The Chamber is closely monitoring the recommendations and guidelines provided to businesses related to the corona virus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Below you will find a series of links to news articles, tool kits and information specific to business and industry and the response to the virus. We encourage you to check these links often, as well as all other information being continuously updated and provided by the Centers for Disease Control. 
  
We also want to remind you that many of our local businessess remain open and ready to serve you. Your support of our local businesses is what keeps our economy healthy. Following the guidelines set by the CDC will help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and strains of the flu and will keep our people and our businesses healthy. 

  

SUPPORT
LOCAL

ASSISTANCE
PROGRAMS

SLOW THE
SPREAD

WEBINARS
AND SURVEYS

BUSINESS RESOURCES
SENIOR SHOPPING HOURS
BLUE RIBBON REOPENING
RESTART ETOWAH SAFETY PLEDGE


 
CLOSURE ORDERS
BUSINESS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
PIVOT FORWARD TOOLS
OTHER ASSISTANCE 
CDC GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESS
PREVENT THE SPREAD
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS



 
BUSINESS IMPACT SURVEY
UPCOMING WEBINARS
RECORDED WEBINARS 











 
NOTE: The State of Alabama is extending the "Safer at Home" order as amended on July 15, 2020. 

Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday issued her fourteenth supplemental emergency proclamation containing an amended Safer at Home Order that includes a statewide mask requirement. Individuals will be required to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people, as described in the order. This amended order extends until July 31, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

Amended Safer at Home Order
Mask Order FAQ
Safer at Home Info Sheet 1
Safer at Home Info Sheet 2
Safer at Home Info Sheet 3
Fourteenth Supplemental Emergency Proclamation
Resources for Businesses
PSAs
ABC Emergency Order regarding on-premise alcohol sales

Guidelines for various entities:  Preparedness Plan for Reopening (customize for your business)

 

Paycheck
Protection
Program

Expanded
Paid Leave
& FMLA

Refundable
Employee
Retention
Credit

Payroll
Tax
Deferral

EIDL

Mid-Sized
Business
Loan Program

Expanded
Unemployment
Insurance

Other

Small Business

 

Large Business

 

 

 

Non-Profit

Individual

 

 

 

 

 

 
BUSINESS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Unemployment benefits have been expanded. Check out the following links to learn more about each sector
  • Payroll Tax Deferral
    • The CARES Act permits employers to defer the deposit and payment of the employer’s portion of social security taxes that otherwise would be due between March 27, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2020. The law permits employers instead to deposit half of these deferred payments by the end of 2021 and the other half by the end of 2022.
  • Employee Retention Tax Credit
    • The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), enacted on March 27, 2020, is designed to encourage Eligible Employers to keep employees on their payroll, despite experiencing economic hardship related to COVID-19, with an employee retention tax credit (Employee Retention Credit).
  • Emergency Sick & Family Paid Leave (Families First Act)
    • The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.[1] The Department of Labor’s (Department) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements. These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020.
  • Small Business Economic Injury Disaster Loans
    • SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance for an eligible small business. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
  • Paycheck Protection Program  - REOPENED APRIL 27, 2020 with new funding
    • The Paycheck Protection Program is designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll by providing each small business a loan up to $10 million for payroll and certain other expenses. If all employees are kept on payroll for eight weeks, SBA will forgive the portion of the loans used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Up to 100 percent of the loan is forgivable. 
    • For a preliminary guide to small business financial assistance through the CARES act, CLICK HERE.  
    • To access the Paycheck Borrower Information Fact Sheet, CLICK HERE
    • For extensive details on the forgivable loan business assistance and how to apply, CLICK HERE
  • Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act
UNEMPLOYMENT INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS
Unemployment benefits have been expanded. Check out the following links to learn more about each sector:
To find information about unemployment expansion in Alabama, CLICK HERE
To find information about employers filing partial claims and avoiding UI charges, CLICK HERE
To find a list of frequently asked questions for employees and employers, CLICK HERE
  • Unemployment Expansion for Furloughed Employees
    • Alabama has waived employer charges, employee waiting periods, and many other typical requirements related to unemployment benefits. ADOL urges employers to file on behalf of furloughed employees to expedite the process and reduce red tape. 
    • To apply for unemployment or to file a partial claim for employees, CLICK HERE
OTHER ASSISTANCE
  • Rebates will automatically be provided as follows: $1,200 for individuals, or $2,400 for married couples who filed jointly (MFJ) – individuals and couples will receive $500 for each qualifying dependent child under the age of 17. Amounts will be decreased based on income restrictions.

  • Payments due on federal student loan are suspended through September 30, 2020. Interest shall not accrue on federal student loans during the suspended payment period. Non-payment will not result in ineligibility for loan forgiveness or loan rehabilitation programs.

  • Additional Minority Business Development Agency funding has been made available.

  • CNCS educational award eligibility will be preserved even if required to limit or leave position due to COVID-19.

  • CNCS terms can be extended to allow for continued service related to addressing COVID-19.

  • Workforce Innovation Opportunity Funds received by States that remain unobligated may be used for a statewide rapid response activity or released to local boards most impacted by COVID-19 for rapid response activities.

  • Treasury is authorized to make loans, loan guarantees, and other investments in support of air carriers, businesses who have not received adequate relief under the CARES Act, States, and municipalities that do not, in the aggregate, exceed $500,000,000,000


STATE RESOURCES

Alabama Department of Revenue

The Alabama Department of Revenue has provided a page with information about state taxpayer relief and extensions. To visit their page, please click here.

Alabama Department of Public Health

The Alabama Department of Public Health is maintaining a chart of infections by county and updates twice daily. Their site also collects public health orders regarding businesses. To visit their page, please click here.

Alabama Department of Labor

The Alabama Department of Labor has established a page of resources, including contact information and news releases related to the expansion and additional waivers related to unemployment eligibility. To visit their page, please click here.


FEDERAL RESOURCES

US Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has set up a page with information about their Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, guidance for businesses and employers, SBA products and resources, access to capital and exporting assistance, government contracting and local assistance. To visit their page, please click here.

Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA)

The purpose of this FEMA page is to help the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis. Do your part to the stop the spread of disinformation by doing 3 easy things; don’t believe the rumors, don’t pass them along and go to trusted sources of information to get the facts about the federal (COVID-19) response. To visit their page, please click here

Internal Revenue Service

The IRS has a page dedicated specifically to tax relief and deferment related to COVID-19 for taxpayers. To visit their page, please click here

US Department of Labor

The Department of Labor (DOL) has set up a page with information to help workers and employers to prepare for COVID-19. To visit their page, please click here.
New regulations related to Families First Act released 3/24/2020, please click here.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta hosts a page on their website with a thorough Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about COVID-19, resources on how to prepare your family, as well as information for travelers, schools and childcare, businesses and employers, and community and faith-based organizations. To visit their page, please click here.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has established “Combating the Coronavirus” on their website with resources including workplace tips for employees, customizable flyers and signage, preparedness checklists, social media toolkits, travel notices, and reports on the worldwide economic condition and how it may impact your business. To visit their page, please click here.


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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