Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates and Resources
Greetings All,

You are no doubt receiving countless emails regarding COVID-19 and its widespread implications on our businesses and general movement.

We at WBEC-East are condensing all the information we are receiving in a way that is easier for you to digest. Our COVID-19 newsletters will be divided into 4 sections: General Announcements, Regionally Specific News, Webinars & finally Stay at Home resources to entertain you while we wait for this situation to settle down.

We hope that this lighter text and segmented format will be more beneficial for our network as we try to support you as you navigate through this trying time.

Sincerely,
WBEC-East Team
General Announcements
Economic Injury Disaster Loans are now available to small businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering DE, PA, and other designated states & territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). 
Regional News
Pennsylvania Updates
Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund
The City of Philadelphia and PIDC have launched the Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund. The $9 million fund aims to provide targeted support for small businesses, which face an unprecedented challenge due to the ongoing global pandemic. 

The fund offers a mix of new grants and zero-interest loans for businesses that make under $5 million in annual revenue. 
Commonwealth Financing Authority Loans
The Wolf Administration is working with the General Assembly to make sure state funding is available for small business assistance too. Small businesses can apply through the Small Business First Fund (SBD).
The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) is providing loans of up to $100,000 for small businesses to use as working capital. Interest rates are being dropped from approximately 3% to 0%. 

Detailed guidelines for the program are still being developed at this time
The Department of Community and Economic Protection asks businesses with questions as to whether their organization needs to close to contact: ra-dcedcs@pa.gov
Any business interested in seeking a waiver to the order can reach out to: ra-dcexemption@pa.gov . or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH and select option 1.
Delaware Updates
Governor John Carney on Wednesday announced the Hospitality Emergency Loan Program (HELP) to provide financial relief for restaurants, bars and other hospitality industry businesses that employ thousands of Delawareans.

The no-interest loans are capped at $10,000 per business per month. The money can cover rent, utilities and other unavoidable bills but cannot be used for personnel costs. The loans have a 10-year term with payments deferred for nine months.

The Division of Small Business will administer the program using existing state funds. Eligible businesses must have been in operation for at least a year, have annual revenue below $1.5 million and be in a certain hospitality-connected industries. Email business@delaware.gov to learn if you qualify or call 302-739-4271 with additional questions.
WBEC-East Webinars
Women 2 Women Webinar: HR & Legal Issues in the Time of Coronavirus
March 24, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Free

As we all transition into this new reality, HR issues are among the most pressing concerns for many business owners.

This webinar will address some of the most frequently asked questions from business owners on topics ranging from the recently passed changes to the Family Medical Leave Act, to balancing medical privacy and quarantine requirements as an employer, to best practices for essential businesses that have to remain open.
Entrepreneurs Vs. COVID-19
March 24, 12 - 1pm
Free

How can small businesses protect themselves while going up against an opponent unlike any adversary we have faced before?

In these unprecedented times, it is important to pool the resources of experts in various fields to provide insights and strategies to help leaders lead, companies prepare and professionals stabilize in the face of the unknown.

The panel discussion will feature insights and ideas to protect your company during these uncertain times.
Q&A on U.S. SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
March 26, 1-2:30pm
Free

The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced that the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program has been activated to provide relief to small business owners affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

WBEC-East has asked Sonia Smith, Public Information Officer and Economic Development & Lender Relations Specialist, to set aside some time to share more details on these loans and answer any questions you as a small business owner may have.
Partner Webinars
Leading In Uncertainty
March 27, 2020, 8-10am
Free

In the current crisis, we know that business leaders have questions and difficult decisions in the face of so much uncertainty. On every leader's mind is their people, finances and sales. Trajectify founder, Mike Krupit, facilitates the workshop with three industry leaders in key areas to provide insight, direction and actionable advice to business owners and leaders.

  • Learn best practices in the face of uncertainty.
  • Understand the breadth of the impact of this "new normal" on your business.
  • Access industry expertise in a coach-facilitated discussion.
  • Work interactively with experts and peers on issues pertaining directly to your business.
Topics:
Marcia O'Connor
The O'Connor Group
Engaging employees and recruiting during uncertainty
Jeff Bruno
Outsourced CFO
Understanding and planning for dynamic financial scenarios
Lisa Peskin
Business Development University
Retaining customers and selling in crisis
PA Chamber 2020 Coronavirus and Small Business Next Steps & Best Practices Webinar
March 27, 11 - 12:30am
Free

In response to the Coronavirus, the Pennsylvania Chamber Educational Foundation is presenting a free 1½ hour webinars as a public service to cover two important areas of information specifically to help small businesses.

First, top business attorneys Andrew Levy and Ursula Siverling of McNees Wallace & Nurick will discuss the legal ramifications facing small business with suggestions on best practices to help them stay viable. Then we have invited a top official from the U.S. Small Business Administration to discuss the resources available to help small businesses from suffering undue hardship.
Stay at Home Activities!

While we all follow the advice of health officials and take appropriate precautions, we will share fun resources to help you through this self-quarantine.
The Met Opera will host “Nightly Met Opera Streams” on its official website to audiences worldwide.

These free streams will present encores of past performances from its famed Live in HD series.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Down Dog, the highest-rated app for practicing yoga at home, is making all of their yoga classes completely free until April 1st.

Please stay healthy and safe during this time, and know that WBEC-East remains a resource to you and your business.