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Business Resources for the COVID-19 Virus

Guidelines for Individuals and Employers
during the Texas Re-Open from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Lee County Call Center for Covid-19 Questions: 866-686-7873         Monday-Friday  8am-5pm

If no one answers, leave a message and your call will be returned. Callers with questions about the COVID-19 disaster declaration and executive orders should call this number instead of directly calling the City of Giddings, the City of Lexington, or Lee County.   Calls may be forwarded to other agencies or resources if necessary. Call 911 for any emergencies, this is not an emergency number.

The Chamber is not responsible for the contents of any off-site materials referenced. Links from this site to other sites on the World Wide Web do not constitute an endorsement from The Chamber. These links are provided for informational purposes only. It is the responsibility to the user to evaluate the content and usefulness of materials or information obtained from other sites.

Governor Extends Statewide Disaster Order - July 10

Governor's Order - July 2
Statewide face coverings requirement and gatherings limited

Executive Action - June 26
The Governor takes executive action to contain the spread of Covid19

Governor's Order -June 26
Mentions occupancy, bars, nursing homes, schools and masks (#15 on page 4. Read carefully)

Temporary Pause in Reopening - June 25
Governor has temporarily paused the reopen of Texas

Governor's Order on Surgeries - June 25
Elective surgeries postponed

Governor's Order on Occupancy - June 3
50% occupancy for businesses. Some exceptions

Press Release - July 9
Lee County Coronavirus numbers

Press Release - July 2
Masks required, gatherings limited. 4th of July activities affected.

Order Mandating Face Covering - June 30
Order from the County and Cities requiring masks

Declaration Regarding Outdoor Gatherings from Lee County - June 25
Outdoor gatherings over 100 people

Press Release June 25
Recent Covid Case update on Lee County from DSHS

Press Release June 16
Recent Covid Case update on Lee County from DSHS

Press Release May 29
Recent Covid case update on Lee County from DSHS

May 26th Primary Runoff Elections have been moved to July 14th.

Lee County Offices will reopen Monday, May 4. Phone number to contact offices can be found at
http://www.co.lee.tx.us/

For More Declarations and Press Releases from the County and City visit the Lee County Webpage

For more information on Governor's decisions see the Office of the Governor's website.

RE-OPENING RETAIL BUSINESSES

Reopening Business Digital Resource Center from the US Chamber of Commerce
latest state guidelines, sector-specific guidance, small business advice, and other tools and resources to help employers and employees return to work safely and successfully.

Guide on Reopened Retail Businesses from the Texas Department of State Health Services. This is not a guide for essential businesses. 

General advice to everyone:
Postpone when at all possible, Don't Cancel!
Postponing events and gatherings creates something exciting to look forward to. Cancelling is final and negative.

FOR BUSINESSES

Finances, Payroll and Money
Remember: Loans must be paid back, usually with interest. Grants are gifts, not to be paid back.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Economic Injury Disaster Loan

SBA is providing low interest working capital loans of up to $2 million to small businesses and nonprofits affected by coronavirus. Loans have an interest rate of 3.75% for small business and 2.75% for nonprofits. Loan repayment terms vary by applicant. EIDL is the only program that 501(c)6 organizations are eligible for.
Apply online and select "Economic Injury" as the reason.
Call the SBA with any questions. 800-659-2955

Apply online at this link:
https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/


Here's a slideshow of how to apply for EIDL: contains info on the loans as well as non-monetary assistance the SBA can give
Slideshow


Paycheck Protection Program from Small Business Association
Find a certified lender in your area - Assistance Finder
When you can apply - Treasury Facsheet
More information on PPP and Loan Requirements - From SBA

Paycheck Protection Program Borrower Application

SBA Debt Relief
The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SBA Express Bridge Loans
Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.

ASSOCIATION OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES

Article, the House approves changes to PPP bill. - May 29

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

A Cares Act and PPP Primer for Small Business
Free training resource to navigate the Cares act and PPP. Includes lessons, video and downloads.

US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Coronavirus Emergency Loan - Guide and Checklist for Small Businesses. Download here

Frequently asked Questions
about Emergency Loans answered at the US Chamber of Commerce


A guide to SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans and the CARES Act expansion.

CARES Act also created a new Employee Retention Tax Credit for employers who are closed, partially closed, or experiencing significant revenue losses

Save Small Business Grant from the US Chamber of Commerce.
A grantmaking initiative offering short-term relief for small employers in the United States

SENATE CARES ACT BILL

SENATE CARES BILL - Passed March 25
Highlights of the Bill
The Full Text of the Bill


HEROES ACT -CORONAVIRUS RECOVERY

The Heroes Act
A new bill going to Congress for relief aid.
May 15, 2020

Giddings Economic Development Corporation Business Grants

GEDC Healthcare Business Expansion Grants for local healthcare providers, first responders and other personnel operating a healthcare-related practice or testing facility within the city of Giddings. 
Funds are available for COVID-19 related training of staff, PPE, and/ or changes/ additions/ structural revisions for a facility necessary to retain safe operations in a highly infectious environment. 
Request the Healthcare Expansion Grant by emailing to edcdirector@giddings.net or texting  979-777-7228 for an application. 
Subject: Healthcare Expansion Grant

GEDC Business Retention Grants for locally owned and/or operated small businesses operating in the city limits.  Businesses activity must have been impacted by COVID-19 pandemic – either forced closure, forced reduction or change in operating hours or activity, supply chain disruption, or loss of customers.  

Request the Small Business Retention Grant by emailing to edcdirector@giddings.net or texting  979-777-7228 for an application. 
Subject:  Small Business Retention Grant

Due to the limited availability of funds, franchises will be considered for assistance on a case by case basis and upon receiving approval of the GEDC board of directors 

Business Retention Grants may also be made available on a case by case basis for businesses impacted by the decline in oil & gas activity.  For information, please contact the GEDC at edcdirector@giddings.net or by calling 979-777-7228. 
Subject: Oil & Gas Business Grant

FEDERAL INCOME TAX

Federal Income Tax
The federal tax return filing deadline is now July 15, 2020. For tax payments of up to $10 million, the IRS has also extended the deadline for both individuals and businesses to July 15, 2020. Estimated tax payments for 2020 originally due on April 15 will now be due on July 15. 


TEXAS COMPTROLLERS OFFICE
Enforcement Hotline at 800-252-8880 to learn about your options for remaining in compliance and avoiding interest and late fees on taxes due for businesses.
Using Webfile
Other Resources for Tax Services

MISCELLANEOUS FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Texas Downtown Association
Lots of info: funding for your business, resources for small business, restaurant & bar assistance.

Business for All
Apply for grants up to $50,000 to support business growth, including $10,000 emergency COVID-19 Business for All Grants to help small businesses in crisis.

Crowdfunding Sources
Presented by GoDaddy. A brief look at all the crowdfunding options open to a business looking for financial help.

Small Business Relief Fund from GoFundMe
Read down to "Important information for small business owner" to find that business must create a fundraiser for at least $500

Facebook Business Grants
offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits

Extensive List of Small Business Grants
This list is on the Fundera website. Fundera is not recommended by the Chamber based on negative user comments, however, this list is mostly informational and not about Fundera services.

LiftFund Disaster Relief Loan
for small businesses up to $50,000. Currently closed, but may reopen

Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund
from Verizon and Local Initiatives Support Corporation, offering grants to help small businesses fill urgent financial gaps until they can resume normal operations or until other more permanent financing becomes available. 

Rapid Relief & Resiliency Fund
from Local Initiatives Support Corporation. Currently in donation stages.

Office of the Texas Governor, Economic Development: Recommendations for Businesses During COVID-19 Crisis

Texas COVID Relief Fund from Onestar Foundation. Funds being gathered. Sign up for email notifications. Persons who qualify are non-profits, schools and government org.

Domestic Violence Shelter Grant Program from the Mary Kay Foundation.

Housing Preservation Grant from USDA
grants to sponsoring organizations for the repair or rehabilitation of housing owned or occupied by low- and very-low-income rural citizens. Currently closed but may reopen.

Creative Capital Awards
organization is supportive of all the creative sectors granting awards for projects.

MusiCares Relief Fund
from The Recording Academy and its charitable foundation MusiCares. A relief fund to help peers in the music community.

HOTEL & RESTAURANT INDUSTRY

Frequently Asked Questions - Answered by the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association about the Governor's order

What Hotel Owners Need to Know about the CARES Act
Recommended from the THLA

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
information for alcoholic beverage providers


Texas Restaurant Actions during COVID-19
The Texas Restaurant Association is urging restaurants to stay open and maintain strict guidelines for safety and health.


From THLA - May 8
Hotel swimming pools and wedding venues can reopen at limited capacity

Governor's Reopen Phase II - May 26

Governor Updates on Reopening Texas
an ongoing updated list from THLA on what's opening now

Texas Workforce Commission
FAQs regarding Covid19 issues and FMLA paid sick leave provisions

Texas Unemployment Compensation Act
If a restaurant has to shut down and lay off employees.

From THLA - Download the "Stay Safe" initiative here and see guidelines for cleaning.

Paycheck Protection Program updates from the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association

Pandemic Relaunch Kit for Restaurants & Bars
Streetsense is a strategy and design firm based in DC. They’ve developed some great resources for small businesses and just released a toolkit for restaurants.  You have to provide your name and email address but otherwise free

Reopening Guidelines from AHLA
Guide from American Hotel & Lodging Association, may be helpful for hoteliers considering on topics ranging from labor law to hygiene and environmental safety. 

Texas Hotel Lodging Association's Guide
on the Governor's Reopen of Texas for Hotels

Stay Safe- Cleaning and Safety Standards
from the THLA. Focused on enhanced hotel cleaning practices, social interactions, and workplace protocols

GUIDES AND TOOLS FOR ALL BUSINESS

US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION

CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION

Center for Disease Control & Prevention Resources for Business & Employers
www.cdc.gov

TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE (TML)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources
Contains State Disaster Orders and Guidance, TML Resources, Helpful Links and Free Services for Cities

CoronaVirus updates -Questions and Answers
Corona Virus updates listed by subject

GROW WITH GOOGLE

Helping Small Businesses through Covid19
Google is committed to using our tools and resources to help small businesses stay connected to customers, access economic support and work and learn remotely.

Google Tools & Resources to Help your Business

Google Ad Credits - for small and medium sized businesses

Google Primer - a free mobile app that offers quick, easy to understand lessons to grow skills and reach goals.

Google Skillshop - free online product training and certifications right for you

Digital Training for Students - Explore our trusted curriculum to find the computer skills you want to learn, from data analysis to research and communication.

MISCELLANEOUS

Coronavirus Resource Guide
established by the Texas Department of Agriculture to try to consolidate all information.

The Small Business Resource Center
Assembled by the City of Austin Small Business Program. A list of small business resources from local, state, and federal governments as well as nonprofit agencies. Read carefully as some may be specific to Austin only.

Zoom Tips for Educators

Support Local
started by Gannett, a news media corporation that includes USA Today and multiple other brands. Businesses and customers can add businesses located anywhere in the US. Add your business.

Commercial District Recovery Guide
from StreetSense, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), and US Bank Foundation. A curated roadmap to support recovery efforts in downtowns and commercial districts, strategies and case studies.


ARCIT has lots of COVID-19 info from government agencies

TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION
FAQs of Employers
Frequently asked questions by employers and small businesses about employees, benefits, illness and more regarding covid19.

Keep Uninvited Guests from your Zoom
Tips to keep unwanted crashers out of your Zoom meetings.

USDA Federal Rural Resource Guide for Covid-19
This resource matrix organizes funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America. Opportunities are categorized by customer and assistance type.

Back to Business Toolkit from the Better Business Bureau - This toolkit compiles everything you need in one easy-to-access place including reopening, building trust and ways to help.

National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
Small Business Resources - Corona Virus

National Legislation about Small Business
NFIB Response to House
NFIB Response to Senate

Grow with Google
Resource and tools to help you work remotely
https://grow.google/remotework/

Sign up for covid-19 related updates for Texas Businesses
Office of the Governor

Better Business Bureau - Business Status Update Artwork
Available  to download to post on your website or social media

Staying Connected during Covid
an article from the Better Business Bureau

Checklist & Health Protocol for Wedding Venues - June 10

ASSOCIATION OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES

Roadmap to Recovery - a public health guide for governors.

Opening up America - the three phase approach

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES

Federal Policy News & Resources
analysis of the latest federal action, as well as letters, policy news and action alerts

Webinars & Events
Register for upcoming webinars national calls and other events on the coronavirus pandemic, as well as find recordings of past webinars

Counties Matter during Covid19
America’s counties are on the front lines of our nation’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Reopening America's Counties
online toolkit for counties that helps to: explain federal guidance on reopening for county governments; clarify the county role under state directives; chart a course for safely restarting local economies, and support long-term equitable recovery planning.

Research & Data
NACo's latest research and data on the COVID-19


FREE WEBINARS

Helping Entrepreneurs Create Strong PPP Applications from the NDC.
April 17. Recording

The Governor's Central Texas Small Business Webinar -
April 15. Recording
provide Texas small business owners with information on the COVID-19 recovery resources such as: Paycheck Protection Program, EIDL Loan Advance, SBA Express Bridge Loans and SBA Debt Relief

US Chamber of Commerce
Path Forward Webinar Series
helping business and community leaders find the answers they need to develop a responsible reopening strategy.

Covid 19: What you need to Know
Webinar from the Texas Municipal League
Recording from May 21

Texas Workforce Commission Answers Questions on Unemployment Benefits from April 13. Recording.

Webinars from the Better Business Bureau: Recordings
You've Applied (for Emergency Funding) Now what?
Resources for Your Business During the Covid-19 Emergency
Mastering Google My Business

Upcoming Webinars from the Better Business Bureau - Learn more about business strategies, employer guides and tools to help your business.

Business Strategies for an Evolving Future from The Office of the Governor - Facebook recording

Optimizing the PPP Loan: Part II from the Office of the Governor
Register for July 15

For the Hotel Industry: COVID-19 webinar: U.S. & Canada hotel weekly performance analysis Recording.

Connecting to Your Customers Online
A series of webinars from the Better Business Bureau

Crowdfunding Sources
Presented by GoDaddy. A brief look at all the crowdfunding options open to a business looking for financial help.

International Entrepreneur Summit presented by the Better Business Bureau - May 29
These lectures focuse on the virtual landscape of e-commerce, website-design and social media.


Giddings Chamber of Commerce
183 E. Hempstead
Giddings, TX 78942
Located in the Lee County Museum, off the Courthouse Square

Contact:  (979) 542-3455
Chamber email:  chambergiddings@gmail.com
Tourism email:  giddingschamber@gmail.com






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