IMPORTANT UPDATES
We are now entering the implementation phase of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The implementation will impact many businesses and families. Remember that the people you are talking to when/if you are applying are going through similar situations with their families, learning about an incredibly complicated government program while implementing, and working hard to help out as many of us as they can. Be kind.
Small businesses can do their part by studying the various programs and having an idea of what they want to apply for. Be sure you know what these programs are, the differences, and ask questions when you start applying. I have left the same links from the U.S. Chamber below in the
COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) EMERGENCY LOANS
section. Look through each of those prior to applying!
FEDERAL and STATE UPDATES FOR BUSINESS
The
new Federal unemployment numbers
came out yesterday, and we hit a record-breaking number for 1 week – 6.6 million. These numbers more than doubled the previous weeks. The previous record before March 2020 was held in October 1982 when we hit 695,000. Be sure you take advantage of what you can with this stimulus package. The primary focus was to keep people employed as much as possible. Be sure to look at the
Paycheck Protection Program
and the
Employee Retention Tax Credit
when searching for the right loan for your business.
According to the
Texas Health and Human Services
website, Texas has 4,669 confirmed cases of COVID-19 currently. There have been over 50,000 tests conducted and the Governor’s new Executive Order and Public Health Disaster Declaration issued on March 31
st
will have Texans continue to social distance through April 30
th
. For the full order,
CLICK HERE
.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY UPDATES
The list continues to grow on the
WILCO Stay Home Stay Safe Business Compliance Website
. This is a portion of the county’s website that allows you to Request a Determination on whether your business is an “Essential Business” or not. Please take a moment to look to see if your business (or a business you closely resemble) is considered essential.
The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter continues its efforts to find every animal a home despite having to close its facility to walk-ins. You can still adopt or foster a pet, but you must make an appointment between Noon and 4pm. A staff member will bring cats in a secured and sanitized crate to offer curbside assistance. For anyone interested in dogs, after making an appointment, you will be able to interact with the dog in one of the shelter’s play yards.
AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Austin Community College sent out an email “Update & Promise to the Community” yesterday. The email states that ACC has transitioned to classes and support services to a virtual environment. They are distributing technology to students in need and will offer a Pass/No-Pass grading option to give students a choice.
ACC has expanded its Student Emergency Fund. This program provides immediate financial support so that students may pay their bills, cover childcare costs, get food and even pay their tuition.
COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) EMERGENCY LOANS
The U.S. Chamber has several guides available to you to help guide you through the decision-making process of your next steps. Please take a moment to look these over as you continue to make these tough decisions.
IN CLOSING
SEND US YOUR STORIES!
Do you have a story to tell about how your business is helping? How another business helped you? A story of kindness or helpfulness? Send it to us. We want to promote those moments. Send directly to me –
tony@cedarparkchamber.org
.
Please don’t forget to take our 3-minute COVID-19 LOCAL Business Survey.
CLICK HERE
!
You can forward this newsletter to anybody you think would find value in this. They can sign up for the daily newsletter as well on our website. Please know we are here to help you. We are YOUR business advocate. Stay safe and let us know how we can help!
Tony Moline, IOM, PCED
President & CEO
Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce
