COVID-19 Business Information & Resources
T his email is meant to share updates with our downtown and partnered businesses.
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.

Please send details or links to the items you want shared by email or Facebook Message msothan@mainstreetbeatrice.org and info@mainstreetbeatrice.org
Or call 402-223-3244

We have been working to share business posts on Facebook
Let us know if you have a post we can share.

Beatrice Business Impact Survey
We want to hear from YOU
ATTN: Downtown & Gage County Business Owners, Managers, & HR Personnel:
Main Street Beatrice, together with the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce and Gage Area Growth Enterprise - NGage, is conducting a Business Impact Survey to gather data about how COVID-19 has impacted our county thus far.

Please click here ( https://bit.ly/2U9CWSW ) or scan the QR code on the flyer with your mobile device camera to take the survey.

Your participation will help us better understand the current situation and coordinate further responses.
Beatrice Media Release for Community & Businesses
A Joint Media Release from our community partners was sent out on Tuesday.

It provides a concise summary of our recommended response to the ongoing COVID-19 Emergency.

Quick Highlights:
* If you or your business think you might need help, or that you may or have fallen behind on your obligations pick up the phone and talk to your creditors, vendors, landlord, and lenders and also explore assistance tools. You are not alone.

* Landlords - be sure to open communications and be willing to be flexible with your tenant(s).

* Take measures to ensure health and safety.

* If you have questions or are running into problems reach out. We and others want to help.

Please click below to read the full release:

Recent Updates:
*** Federal Stimulus Package Promises Relief
for Small Businesses *** Trump Signature Pending
Small Businesses Will Get Help Paying Workers, if They Can Wait

The stimulus package includes more than $370 billion in government-backed bank loans that, in some cases, borrowers won’t have to repay. These loans are intended to be available through local banks and not through the SBA Website like the current disaster loans available.


What to know about the $300 billion-plus for small businesses in the stimulus bill, and how founders will be able to apply for emergency funds


Anticipated Highlights:

Business Provisions (all numbers are approximate)
·     $500 billion in loans to eligible businesses
·     $350 billion in small business loans
·     $24 billion to stabilize the farm economy
Labor Provisions
·     Paid leave payment cap and advance tax credit
·     $600/week add-on to state unemployment programs
·     Create state short-term compensation programs
Tax Provisions
·     2018 - 2020 losses can offset previous income
·     Allowable interest deductions up to 50%
·     2-year payroll tax deferral
·     Access to tax refunds when paying taxes on overseas earnings
·     Create employee retention tax credit
·     Accelerate corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) credits
·     Fix to Qualified Improvement Property
Health Care Provisions
·     $150 billion for health care facilities
·     Liability protections for PPE makers
·     Clarifies insurance coverage for tests and treatment
·     $200 million for telehealth
Individual Provisions
·     Individual rebate checks
·     Waives 10% penalty for retirement plan distributions

*** Additionally SBA Direct Disaster Loans and other forms of assistance are currently available, more details below. ***
Other New Resources:

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.
Beatrice Media Release for Community & Businesses
Gage County has first 'presumed positive' case of COVID-19.
Local officials informed Beatrice residents, that while no laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases exist in our community; local health care providers believe there to be a “presumed positive” COVID-19 case(s) in our community.

Official results are still pending.


With "Presumed Positive" Local COVID-19 Cases, Recommended Precautions Remain

City of Beatrice offers utility relief measures
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.

What would a Direct Health Measure mean?
A common question we have heard is what will the limitations likely be on people and businesses if confirmed community transmission cases of Covid-19 are found in the Beatrice area?

Below is a link to the rules now being imposed on some Nebraska Counties:

Link to The Official Guidance in effect for locations such as Beatrice Nebraska as of 8:00am 3/27/20 The 10 person restrictions are in place for some businesses, this applies to customers but does not include paid staff members.
Tips for Businesses 
✓ If your business is staying open, publish a commitment to public health and outline actions for ensuring a clean facility and healthy staff; have hand sanitizer available for customers and latex gloves available for employees.

✓ Offer digital gift cards that customers and patrons can buy now and use later

✓ Start, maintain, and enhance business webpages, online shopping opportunities, and social media presence

✓ Keep customers updated on new experiences or products you'll offer when conditions improve

✓ Develop customer membership programs, such as “subscribe and save” on delivery or pickup of coffee beans, fresh produce, etc.

✓ Develop online/phone shopping list services. For example, many grocery stores offer grocery pickup or delivery to customers who submit shopping lists online.

✓ Offer digital/phone services and support to virtually sell, answer questions, and provide customer service

✓ Keep it lively! Example: Offer trivia nights via livestream and provide virtual tours of your shop - A lot of people are spending extra time on their phones and on social media, use this chance to create a positive marketing experience and opportunity. It can pay off after these challenges pass

✓ Be sure to keep open communication with your lenders, landlord, suppliers, etc. Most are willing to be flexible as we are are dealing with this crisis. Reach Out and Talk.

If you have the capacity to do so now is a great time to have employees take on new roles such as delivery drivers or tackle refresh projects at your businesses. If you can, get creative and take steps to keep your business open, your employees in a job, and most of all keep your team and customers safe.

Business Resources
The Small Business Administration (SBA) released a toolkit offering guidance for businesses and employers to plan for and respond to Coronavirus disruptions. They also offer the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program that provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. This is open to non-profit organizations as well.



*** Federal Small Business Administration Disaster Loans are Available for Nebraska's Businesses effected by Covid-19. ***

These are direct loans and can be applied for online with the SBA

Work with your local SBA approved lendor on the bridge loans

*** New Assistance Programs Are Forthcoming with the new Federal Package expected to pass this weekend - This will include loans some of which may not need to be re-paid . These loans are supposed to be available at local banks. Watch for Updates and read the articles at the top of this email. ***

  • 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!

Unemployment Resources
Gov. Ricketts has issued an Executive Order to Loosen Unemployment Insurance Eligibility Requirements.


 The Nebraska Department of Labor is waiving the required work search requirement and the one week wait period for unemployment benefits for those who are unable to report to work due to closure or illness. The employer fee for the short-term benefits is also waived. In addition, the State has expanded their Short-Time Compensation program to help reduce or prevent layoffs by providing prorated unemployment benefits to those still working but who have had their hours reduced.

More information can be accessed on the Department of Labor’s website at: www.dol.nebraska.gov 

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.

The new Federal Package is anticipated to add additional unemployment assistance.

There are new emergency rules regarding Sick Leave and Family Leave and Medical Act
Additional Business Resources
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. 



Other News Links


Treasury and IRS to delay tax payment deadline by 90 days & Nebraska delays Sate Tax deadline, extended to July 15th - You may need to request the extensions directly from the IRS and Nebraska Department of Revenue, don't assume you have the extension.





#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.
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.
This Saturday, March 28th is a Social Distancing Cruise Night.
The City of Beatrice & Beatrice Community Hospital are posting regular updates.


Community Partners
We have been working closely with our community partners, if you have a request of us please ask.


Main Street Beatrice | Website | 402-223-3244 |
205 N 4th Street / P.O. Box 125 Beatrice, NE 68310