COVID-19 Update 22.0
San Juan County - Utah's Canyon Country
Thursday 9 April 2020
Dear Partner,
Please read the new recommendations released by San Juan Public Health .
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Top 4 FAQs about the SBA 7a Paycheck Protection Program
 
Since launching into action last Wednesday, the Utah Economic Task Force Rapid Response Team (RRT) has helped more than 1,000 Utah companies find solutions to Covid-19 business challenges. The RRT, which is comprised of 50+ local volunteers, has identified the top 4 frequently asked questions to share with the business community.
 
To receive assistance from the RRT, go to  coronavirus.utah.gov/business  and submit a help request. Someone from the team will follow up to not just pass along information, but to solve problems and provide solutions for your business.
 
Question 1: What qualifies as “payroll costs?”
Answer: Payroll costs consist of compensation to employees (whose principal place of residence is the United States) in the form of:
  • Salary 
  • Wages 
  • Commissions, or similar compensation 
  • Cash tips or the equivalent (based on employer records of past tips or, in the absence of such records, a reasonable, good-faith employer estimate of such tips)
  • Payment for vacation, parental, family, medical, or sick leave 
  • Allowance for separation or dismissal 
  • Payment for the provision of employee benefits consisting of group health care coverage, including insurance premiums, and retirement
  • Payment of state and local taxes assessed on compensation of employees 
  • And for an independent contractor or sole proprietor, wage, commissions, income, or net earnings from self-employment or similar compensation.
  
Question 2. Is there anything that is expressly excluded from the definition of payroll costs?
Answer: Yes. The Act expressly excludes the following:
  • Any compensation of an employee whose principal place of residence is outside of the United States, including J-1 and H2A workers.
  • The compensation of an individual employee in excess of an annual salary of $100,000, prorated as necessary.
  • Federal employment taxes imposed or withheld between February 15, 2020 and June 30, 2020, including the employee’s and employer’s share of FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) and Railroad Retirement Act taxes, and income taxes required to be withheld from employees. 
  • And qualified sick and family leave wages for which a credit is allowed under sections 7001 and 7003 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Public Law 116–127).
 
Question 3: Where can I apply for the Paycheck Protection Program?
Answer: You can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) at any lending institution that is approved to participate in the program through the existing U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) lending program and additional lenders approved by the Department of Treasury. 

This could be the bank or credit union you already use, or a nearby bank or credit union. There are thousands of financial institutions that already participate in the SBA’s lending programs, including numerous community banks. 

You do not have to visit any government institution to apply for the program. The Utah Bankers Association posted a list of banks authorized to assist businesses  here . Utah's Credit Unions posted a similar list  here . You can also find SBA-approved lenders in your area through SBA’s online Lender Match tool.

Having a hard time finding a lender? Reach out to the RRT. They can provide examples of specific lenders that are accepting applications from any Utah small business. Need additional help? You can call your local Small Business Development Center and they will provide free assistance and guide you to more lenders in your community. 

Question 4: If I get an EIDL and/or an Emergency Economic Injury Grant, can I get a PPP loan?
Answer: Yes! Whether you’ve already received an EIDL unrelated to COVID-19 or you receive a COVID-19 related EIDL and/or Emergency Grant between January 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020, you may also apply for a PPP loan. 

If you ultimately receive a PPP loan or refinance an EIDL into a PPP loan, any advance amount received under the Emergency Economic Injury Grant Program would be subtracted from the amount forgiven in the PPP. However, you cannot use your EIDL for the same purpose as your PPP loan. For example, if you use your EIDL to cover payroll for certain workers in April, you cannot use PPP for payroll for those same workers in April, although you could use it for payroll in March or for different workers in April.

We are grateful to World Trade Center Utah, the Utah Export Assistance Center of the U.S. Commercial Service, Senator Lee and Senator Romney, and the many other Federal Partners and Congressional Delegation offices that are contributing to this effort and ensuring Utah businesses and individuals have accurate, up-to-date information on these programs and resources.
SBA 7a Personal Protection Program (PPP) Updates:
Funding for this program is distributed by SBA lenders, we advise you talk to your local SBA lender ASAP.

  • Wells Fargo is expanding applications and will open applications this afternoon (4/8/20), you will need to have had a WF Business Checking Account since 2/15/20. Apply here: https://bit.ly/3c0AfZQ 
  • Zions Bank is continuing to accept applications. Apply here: https://bit.ly/2xerlJw 
  • For a list of lenders who do not require a previous relationship click here: https://bit.ly/2UO0NrF
  • Online lenders, such as Divvy are also entering the arena. Read more, click here.
  • For a full list of lenders visit this link: www.sba.gov/paycheckprotection/find
  • For sole proprietorship businesses applications will open Friday (4/10/20)

Also, if you are interested in PPP--consider reading through this latest FAQ sheet from the SBA. For a sample application click here .
Department of Workforce Services (DWS) will be hosting a Statewide Virtual Job Fair on Thursday April 16th . This Sponsored in conjunction with the Salt Lake Chamber and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah), this opportunity is available to employers with job openings anywhere in the state. See this YouTube video   for a short overview: click here
 
Interested companies are encouraged to use the button below to contact the Utah Department of Workforce Services.

Please note: the deadline to participate as an employer is TOMORROW, Friday, April 10.

To participate, please contact: Blaine Roberts , 801-822-3635, bhroberts@utah.gov
Impact Utah: Supplier Scouting
Does your business have the ability to adapt to produce medical supplies? Items for production include, but is not limited to, disposable gowns, N95 Masks, surgical procedure masks, sanitizing/disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer bottles, and hand soap.

Contact Jared Neilson at  jnielson@impactutah.org  for more information
WASHINGTON, April 8, 2020 – USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.

Read the full announcement  to learn more about the opportunities USDA Rural Development is implementing to provide immediate relief to our customers, partners, and stakeholders.
A note : our emails are becoming long, particularly with all the funding resources available. Please note that often you cannot see the entire email in your email window. If you scroll to the base of our email just click "[Message clipped] View entire message" to view the full email.
BUSINESS WEBINARS & RECORDINGS
As a reminder all pertinent economic development & business webinars, as they become available are being posted on our website www.utahscanyoncountry.com/covid-19 scroll down to the tab "COVID-19 Webinars"
The University of Utah - David Eccles School of Business will be hosting free forums called Navigating COVID-19: How to Save Your Business . These forums are focusing on specific business topics related to navigating these unprecedented times every Tuesday and Friday in April. For more information visit: https://eccles.utah.edu/programs/executive-education/product/mikeleavitt/?utm_source=none&utm_medium=eccleslink
Impact Utah is offering a free webinar series titled "Your COVID Business Plan Survive Then Thrive." Click here for details: https://impactutah.org/your-covid-business-plan/
FUNDING RESOURCES
Below we have outlined local, state, and federal resources where funding is available. We recommend that businesses act quickly if they are interested. Please note information is constantly evolving, if you are tracking a funding source be sure to check back regularly. There is an update timestamp in the footer of the resource document for reference.
  • Local Funding Options
  • SEUALG Emergency Loan Program - open
  • State of Utah Options
  • GOED Bridge Loan - re-opens 4/16/20
  • Federal Options
  • SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) - open
  • SBA Loan Advance - open
  • SBA Express Bridge Loan - open
  • SBA 7a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) - open
  • USDA
Please note changes in SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance In order to qualify for the Advance, you must submit this   new application  even if you previously (prior to 3/30/20) submitted an EIDL application. Applying for the Advance will not impact the status or slow your existing EIDL application.

Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.
Utah has launched an SBA Rapid Response team to help answer immediate SBA loan/program questions. Please use the following form to reach out to the team. Also you are welcome to contact our office.
A dditional resources can be found by following:
Bluff businesses will be closed until May 10th
Many of our local businesses are doing what they can to keep their doors open and services available to our residents .

Click here for our directory of county businesses and their temporary COVID-19 hours, adjusted operations, and offerings.

Business Directory: http://bit.ly/33tdCKl

To be listed or edit a listing contact: ssmith@sanjuancounty.org
BUSINESS WEEKLY SPOTLIGHT: Jones & DeMille Engineering
With many of our local businesses remaining open we will be running features on our Newsroom to inspire our community to buy local. For a full list visit our business directory: http://bit.ly/33tdCKl
#SanJuanStrong
Businesses join the #SanJuanStrong T-shirt Movement!

Jackalope Trading Company is collaborating with Bear Skins Custom Ink to support small businesses county wide. Every shirt sold means $10 goes to a local San Juan County small business. This project was created to provide customers with an opportunity to give their favorite small business the support they need right now.

If you are a San Juan County business and would like to join the #SanJuanStrong t-shirt movement email jackalopetradingcompany@gmail.com and check out: https://bit.ly/34nh8Xm
Help us find and share these features by tagging @sanjuanedvs and #SanJuanStrong
Remember to Read...
Current San Juan County Updates
Previous Emails
For business and tourism industry updates please refer to:

We are aware of the concern many businesses have, particularly those impacted by the travel industry. This web page is intended to be a resource for businesses regarding changes in the travel industry as well as business relief funding options as they become available.

Please note, this web page is not intended to be a source for updates on COVID-19. For up to date information on COVID-19 please visit the state of Utah’s Coronavirus (COVID-19)  information hub : https://coronavirus.utah.gov/
Please feel free to contact our office with any questions 435-587-3235 or 800-574-4386

Who to contact?
Natalie Randall, nrandall@sanjuancounty.org
  • Business & Funding questions (RLF, SBA, State, etc)
Allison Yamamoto-Sparks, ayamamoto@sanjuancounty.org
  • Visitor Information 1-800-574-4386
Stuart Smith, ssmith@sanjuancounty.org
Cheers,
San Juan County EDVS