Business Grant Programs Expanded

Business Information & Resources

Recovery Phase of COVID-19

T his email is meant to share updates with our downtown and partnered businesses.

We are here to help - If you have questions or need help getting word to your customers/community let us know. We will use social media and other means to help you share news and updates.

If you are struggling and need

Please send details or links to the items you want shared by email or Facebook Message msothan@mainstreetbeatrice.org and info@mainstreetbeatrice.org

or call 402-223-3244

*** Federal and State Stimulus Relief

for Small Businesses ***

Get Nebraska Growing

Get Nebraska Growing is an effort by the State of Nebraska to utilize Federal dollars sent to the State via the CARES Act to help grow Nebraska in the wake of these recent economic hits.

* Expanded Small Business Stabilization Grant *

Apply Now - State has expanded the program to allow for up to 14,000 new grants of $12,000 each in Nebraska. > Deadline July 17

For businesses that are:

For Profit
Have Under 75 Employees (Must withhold income taxes for at least one employee)
Suffered Employment or Revenue Losses Due to Covid-19
Are a 1099 Contractor or Self-Employed (Must withhold income taxes for employees on Nebraska Form 941N)

The expanded for profit Small Business Stabilization Grant deadline to apply is Friday, July 17, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time

To learn more about Get Nebraska Growing or to apply please visit

https://getnebraskagrowing.nebraska.gov/nebraska-small-business-stabilization-grant/

Do not delay - If you are eligible you can get assistance!

Final Deadline in Friday July 17th at 4:00pm Central

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers guidance for businesses and employers to plan for and respond to Coronavirus disruptions, for general information please visit: SBA.gov The SBA is now offering two primary assistance tools The Paycheck Protection Program known as PPP (through local banks) and through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program that provides small businesses with working capital loans and a $10,000 forgivable advance (now limited to $1,000 per employee). These tools are designed to provide vital economic support to small businesses to help avoid closure by keeping employees on the payroll or allowing a business to rehire employees. The programs are open to non-profit organizations, sole-proprietors, contract workers, and all traditional small businesses.

Guide to all available SBA Covid-19 Small Business Funding Resources can be found here - This includes the PPP, EIDL, Express Bridge Loans, and Debt Relief Programs.

The EIDL Program has reopened for small business applications.

Even if you are not eligible for the PPP program due to being self-employed, etc. the EIDL program can likely help. It offers a $1,000 grant per employee (owner/self employed included).

The PPP Program has also re-opened.

How do I Get my PPP Loan Forgiven?

Here is information regarding PPP loan forgiveness. Many businesses can now use the funds over a 24 week period rather than the initial 8 week period if desired. Plus other changes. Please consult with your lender for more details.

PPP-FA Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act

Learn more about the new timelines and procedures

New EZ and Revised Full Forgiveness Applications for PPP Loans

Learn more about the new application process for loan forgiveness

Directed Health Measures

There are still restrictions in place but those restrictions were eased somewhat on June 22. Most businesses can resume operations if it makes sense for them to do so under the new rules.

We have heard an appreciation for businesses that are taking active steps to protect customers, especially among our senior and vulnerable population.

Current Directed Health Measure & Restriction Overview - Link

These rules went into effect on June 22nd and further lifted restrictions.

The actual written law can be found here

Reopening Guidelines - Documents

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has provided additional information for some types of businesses to navigate the new rules.

CDC Posters

If you are looking for good posters that may help educate your employees, remind customers, and provide some level of liability protection please visit the above link for printable options.

Business Liability Concerns

The Beatrice Chamber along with other State Chamber partners have signed a letter asking for Federal assistance to reduce business liability amid the pandemic. If you have questions about your liability risks please consult your insurance agent or attorney.

Nebraska has released the Phase IV lifting of restrictions overview

No date has yet been given as to when this phase will go into effect.

With national trends phase IV may be a ways off yet.

Watercooler Wednesday Continues!

The Beatrice Chamber, Main Street Beatrice, and NGage are here to serve you - always - but certainly during this time. We want to connect with you virtually in a new weekly series we're calling "Gage County Watercooler Talk". Join us on Facebook live on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday's, at 10:00am, where we'll give you an update and provide tips for our business community. We will also answer your questions. Check the NGage , Beatrice Chamber , or Main Street Facebook pages for details.

Find and join the Gage County Watercooler Talk Group on Facebook at : https://www.facebook.com/groups/193923201574410/

Nebraska Asking More People to Sign up for Test Nebraska.

Another Testing Event for Beatrice is Expected.

Nebraska is still scaling up capability to test for COVID-19. The State has launched a public-private partnership to significantly expand testing in Nebraska over the next several weeks. The program will enlist Nebraskans to take an assessment, get tested, and track their health.

Everyone is asked to sign up for Test Nebraska as it will help provide valuable data for where to move testing events too and for efforts in knowing how best to lift restrictions in the future.

Free testing through the Test Nebraska sites is now available in Lincoln and Fairbury and will again be available in Beatrice at a future date still to be announced. Testing can also be done through the Beatrice Community Hospital although not a part of Test Nebraska.

https://www.testnebraska.com/