From the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce
:
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM BORROWER
As you may know, the Congress is on the verge of adopting a new round of funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
During the last funding for the PPP, these loans were forgivable if used for maintaining payroll and other specific, limited uses. It is expected that the same process will be in place this time. Businesses will fill out an application and bring it to financial institutions with whom they have an existing relationship.
In order to get a head start on the process, we are pleased to provide you with the Application for the PPP
HERE
. You will also find a list of all approve US Small Business Administration (SBA) lenders in Connecticut
HERE
.
If you are planning to apply for the PPP, it makes sense to contact your lender now, let them know you will be applying for the PPP and complete the application in advance.
Information of the EIDL is not yet available.
GOVERNOR MANDATES USE OF MASKS IN PUBLIC
Effective at 8:00 p.m. on April 21, 2020 anyone going out it public where they will be in close contact with others is REQUIRED to wear a face mask or other PPE. If you cannot maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others you must cover your mouth and nose with a mask or cloth. This includes taxis, public transportation, livery, and the transit waiting areas. This order does not apply to anyone “for whom doing so would be contrary to his or her health or safety because of a medical condition, anyone under the age of 2 years, or by an older child if the parent, guardian or person responsible for the child is unable to place the mask safely on the child’s face.” You will NOT be required to produce medical documentation for your condition.
Customers going into stores must also wear cloth face coverings while on premises. Businesses may provide face coverings to customers and visitors. The medical exemption applies for customers, with additional guidance for children. The state also revised its rules for Connecticut retail stores, and now requires masks or face coverings for employees and customers.
MARINAS, BOATYARDS, MARINE MANUFACTURERS
The 3 Governors of CT, NY, NJ have agreed to allow marinas, boatyards and marine manufacturers to open in their state for personal use as long as strict social distancing and sanitization protocols are followed. Chartered watercraft services or rentals will not be allowed, and restaurant activity at these sites must be limited to take-out or delivery only, like anywhere else in the three states.
CT DOL RESOURCE PAGE
Access helpful and very important information developed by the CT Department of Labor which contains frequently asked questions about COVID-19 for employers and workers.
DECD's COVID-19
BUSINESS EMERGENCY RESPONSE UNIT
The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has created a COVID-19 Business Emergency Response Unit dedicated to assisting businesses navigate resources and develop new resources. A dedicated phone line is available at
860-500-2333
to provide assistance to Connecticut's small businesses for this purpose.
SPECIAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR MINORITY AND WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS!
April 10, 2020 - HEDCO, Inc. has partnered with Governor Lamont, State of Connecticut, the CT Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD) and the CT Minority Business Initiative to provide financial relief to minority-owned and women-owned small businesses negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Click Here
for more information.
SAFE STORES
In an
Executive Order
signed by Gov. Lamont last evening, beginning on Friday, April 3, every retail establishment in the state will take additional protective measures to limit the risk of transmitting COVID-19. Some of the new protocols include an occupancy cap of only up to 50% of store capacity, clearly marked 6' spaces at checkout lines, and the installation of plexiglass shields at the cash registers.
To review all of the new store safety rules,
click here
.
IRS issues warning about Coronavirus-related scams
The Internal Revenue Service has urged taxpayers to be on the lookout for
a surge of calls and email phishing attempts about the Coronavirus, or COVID-19. These
contacts can lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft.
Click here
for information on these scams.
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION INSURANCE
THE SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS'S GUIDE TO THE
CARES ACT
The coronavirus pandemic is affecting small businesses in a variety of ways. From loss of business to remote work, things are changing fast during the COVID-19 outbreak and businesses are being forced to adapt. CO— is working to bring you the best resources and information to help you navigate this challenging time.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
EMPLOYER HIRING NEEDS - POST COVID-19
brought to you by Workforce Alliance
Workforce Alliance currently offers several work-based learning wage reimbursements (i.e. subsidized employment, on the job training, customized training and incumbent work training - WBL). For details on these WBL programs and who we are go to
www.workforcealliance.biz
.
That said, during these unprecedented times of COVID-19, we are looking at ways to be poised to support you as you re-engage your employees or former employees. Help us help you. Please take time to answer the following
survey.
CONNECTICUT DRS
The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) has responded quickly to the COVID-19 outbreak in order to protect our employees and the taxpayers we serve. We have followed directives from Governor Lamont as well as guidance from the CDC. Although there is no good time for a crisis, these events are unfolding during income tax filing season, making it much more challenging. Public service is at the heart of the DRS mission, and our team of tax professionals remains ready to serve during these difficult times.
STAY SAFE, STAY HOME
The executive order establishes a
“Stay Safe, Stay Home”
policy that orders the shutdown of all non-essential businesses in the state effective at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23rd.
General information for additional resources that both employers and employees may find helpful can be accessed by
clicking here
.
SBA DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Notice: Lapse in Appropriations
SBA is unable to accept new applications at this time for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)-COVID-19 related assistance program (including EIDL Advances) based on available appropriations funding.
Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
CONNECTICUT RECOVERY BRIDGE LOAN PROGRAM
As of March 27, 2020, the initial round of funding for this program is closed for applications to ensure that those that have been received so far can be processed efficiently and money distributed as quickly as possible. For those that have already submitted an application, additional documentation can be sent within seven days of submittal.
CORONAVIRUS TOOL-KIT
As a reminder, we have created a page on our website titled the
“
Coronavirus Tool-Kit
”
which we will be updating on a regular basis as more information becomes available. Included in that tool kit are tips and best practices for the employer community and the community at large.
