COVID-19 Business Information & Resources
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T
his email is meant to share updates with our downtown and partnered businesses.
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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.
or call 402-223-3244
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Nebraska - Directed Health Measures (DHM)
** Gage County & Public Health Solutions Restrictions Extended to May 31st **
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The situation regarding the lifting of restrictions has been confusion for locations such as Beatrice and Gage County.
As of last week we were part of an area that had not been given a specified date for restrictions to start easing. Many suspected it was May 11th but the Governor's office had not issued new information.
Over the weekend the parts of Nebraska remaining without a definite timeline had the current Directed Health Measures and Restrictions extended to May 31st. This includes Beatrice/Gage County. There are local efforts being taken to request those restrictions be lifted sooner, but this is not expected to happen before May 18th at the earliest. Again the restrictions for Gage County remain until May 31st.
Why has Gage County been extended to May 31st you ask? That is due to our proximity to the hot-spot in Saline County and being included within the same Public Health District as Saline County.
These new rules were made public over the weekend and have extend the restrictions that cover Gage County until May 31st. Please feel free to read the order in the link above: The main area of information can be found at the bottom of page 2 through the middle of page 5.
This applies to dining in services at restaurants and bars and at places of business such as salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors and those that have prolonged close contact with their customer.
For use after Gage County reopens (currently set for May 31)
Please note that the re-opening guidelines only cover establishments that have food-service.
Bars without food service will need to wait to re-open, all may still offer carry-out/to-go service.
Medical offices can resume elective surgeries and operations after May 4th if they meet new standards and limitations.
After May 4th new statewide rules for worship services, weddings, and funerals will take effect. Please read the link above for more information on these new rules.
Retail and many service sector businesses while not subject to the more restrictive guidelines are still encouraged to maintain high levels of sensitization and social distancing.
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Small Businesses Tips to Re-Open Safely
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Nebraska - Press Conferences
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Weekday press conference are held on weekdays at 2:00pm (typically), the Governor
provides an update on the state's
#COVID19
response. The live steam can be found on social media via sources like News Channel Nebraska, NET, and 10/11 News.
The press conference for Monday May 4th will be at 1:00pm
Thursday, May 7 at 8:30pm CT - Speaking of Nebraska live one-hour Nebraska town hall session, on NET Television and
NET Radio
91.1 FM
and live on Facebook via NET Nebraska.
Questions will be answered by Gov. Ricketts and other Nebraska officials.
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Gov. Ricketts Launches #TestNebraskaChallenge, Rolls Out Plan to Expand COVID-19 Testing
Governor Pete Ricketts announced a new plan to scale up Nebraska’s capability to test for COVID-19. The State is launching 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.
All are asked to sign up for Test Nebraska as it will help provide valuable data for where to set testing priorities and for efforts in knowing how best to lift restrictions.
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Weekly Virtual Coffee Calls - Wednesday
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 every Wednesday, 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.
Don't want to join us via Facebook? You can join us online or by phone through Zoom by clicking this link:
Password: 774565
Join by phone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
+1 669 900 6833 or +1 346 248 7799
Webinar ID: 974 107 983
Password: 774565
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*** Federal Stimulus Relief
for Small Businesses ***
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The Federal Paycheck Protection Programs has received new funding and have begun processing applications again.
Nebraska currently leads the nation for percentage of payroll from Small Businesses that have already gained access to these programs. A special thanks to our local banks for making our businesses your top priority.
If you are in need of assistance reach out to a local SBA approved lender.
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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 potentially limited to $1,000 per employee). These tools are to provide vital economic support to small businesses to help avoid closure and keep employees or rehire employees. The programs are open to non-profit organizations, sole-proprietors, contract workers, and all traditional small businesses.
> Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.
SBA will forgive PPP loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.
You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program.
You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program.
Points of Clarity:
* Sole Proprietors and Contract Employees may apply
* These programs are taking weeks not days to get you funds, if you need emergency funding now apply today but also talk to your bank about short term emergency financial assistance.
Non-Profits Specific Information:
- If you have not already done so - be sure to communicate with your lender about any difficulties you are having or expect to have - Many banks are extending lines of credit and providing other assistance in this difficult time. Do not be afraid to seek help!
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Gov. Ricketts has issued an Executive Order to Loosen Unemployment Insurance Eligibility Requirements.
If you are needing to temporary lay-off your employees these resources are for you.
Don't Be Afraid to Call and Ask Questions to ensure you get the paperwork done right.
New Federal guidelines have added additional unemployment assistance
that included the self employed, contract workers, gig workers, and others.
The State of Nebraska should now be processing self employed applications. This new program is called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
Unemployment insurance does not cover those who quit their jobs.
There are new emergency rules regarding Sick Leave and Family Leave and Medical Act
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Additional Business Resources
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Production Creek
- A downtown Beatrice shop that specializes in screen-printing, embroidery, and promotional materials has a t-shirt fundraiser campaign taking place now. Businesses can have a t-shirt made for their business and that business keeps the proceeds from the t-shirt sales. Win-Win Learn More by visiting their
Support Local Website
Small Business Relief Initiative - GoFundMe
:
GoFundMe has partnered with Yelp and Intuit QuickBooks to create a Small Business Relief Fund to help small businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Each of these three companies has contributed $500,000 to the Fund, and it's receiving additional donations from the public.
The fund will provide $500 grants to any small business that raises $500 on GoFundMe.
Local, State and Federal disaster relief resources and information.
Center for Rural Affairs / REAP
- emergency credit available — They have implemented an Express Loan based largely on credit history and pre-COVID-19 income that offers expedited funding of up to $7,500 for new borrowers and up to $10,000 for return borrowers with strong payment histories.
Center for Rural Affairs Emergency Loan Assistance Information
Southeast Nebraska point of contact is Craig Eberle - 402-736-4417 -
craige@cfra.org
USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help
U
SDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Read the full announcement
to learn more about the opportunities USDA Rural Development is implementing to provide immediate relief.
Local Banks and the City of Beatrice have loan tools and deferment plans that may be able to help you if the need arises, do not hesitate to reach out.
The U.S. Chamber is working to inform and equip businesses with the most important and up-to-date information to prevent the spread of the virus and prepare businesses for the near and long-term impact.
The U.S. Department of Labor provides information on common issues employers and employees face when responding to influenza, pandemics, or other public health emergencies.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides extensive information and updates on
how to prevent community spread.
Below is specific guidance for community organizations, businesses, and event planners.
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City of Beatrice offers utility relief measures
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The City of Beatrice suspended late fees and disconnections for non payment through May 31 2020. Please contact the Board of Public Works to inform them if you plan to delay your payment, they may be able to help you make additional arrangements, so that you do not get further behind.
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Covid 19 FREE Business Webinars & Links
Redefining Retail And Reopening Downtown: Strategies For Business Owners -
Wednesday May 6th 8:30am-9:30am - A
free webinar will feature Joe Borgstrom presenting on Redefining Retail and Reopening Downtown on Wednesday, May 6. This webinar will discuss how to ease the transition from closed to open in our downtown districts and strategies business owners can use in this "new normal" environment.
Registration Link
Connect with Customers and Manage Your Business Remotely
May 12 11:00am-12:00 - Discover Google tools that can help you work and manage your business during this time of uncertainty. Learn how to update critical business information online, keep your customers informed, conduct virtual meetings, and access important files from anywhere. Plus, get insights on more online and timely resources for small businesses.
Registration Link
BCOM in Auburn is offering a weekly webinar series for Small Businesses
The coronavirus has forced companies, causes and campaigns to reevaluate their plans for the foreseeable future. BCom is assisting rural companies and small businesses around the country to help understand the best strategies for preparing for what could be months of this type of "working setup." Specifically, we'll dig into:
- Ways to "stay open" even if your physical doors are closed
- Proper communication strategies to your customers and stakeholders
- Best practices for e-commerce and online retail (even if you don't have something setup now!)
Click below to access the invitation and registration. Please share with friends:
LOCABLE Webinar for businesses on how to sell online
. Sell products, services and gift cards online in minutes. You don't even need to have a website. Watch this 38 minute long recorded webinar that walks through the key steps of quickly launching your online storefront and reducing the exchange of in-person cash given the current climate. We also show marketing tips to get your business in front of more people. The need for local businesses to sell products and gift cards online, handle curbside pickup, and future-proof their business has come to a head.
Webinar Link
There are many good resources out there to help answer your questions and help you navigate this challenging time, don't give up. Take Action for your business.
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#ShopLocalSafely
We continue to promote Shop Local Safely
If you have a social media post or message you would like us to help share please contact us.
Take this time to improve your online and social media presence.
Have you claimed your free Google Business Listing? No better time than now.
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Community Events
The community has been launching several events that aim to safely get residents out of their homes. Some of these events encourage them to support local in ways they deem safe.
Nebraska has declared every Tuesday to be Takeout Tuesday in an effort to support local food and drink establishments.
Downtown Restaurants - We have sent you an invitation to co-host this event on Facebook
Next Social Distancing Cruise Night expected to be on Saturday May 16th
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The City of Beatrice & Beatrice Community Hospital are posting regular updates.
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Community Partners
We have been working closely with our community partners, if you have a request of us please ask.
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Main Street Beatrice
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Website
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402-223-3244
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205 N 4th Street / P.O. Box 125 Beatrice, NE 68310
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