Resources for small and large businesses operating in Green.

Guidance for Reopening:

• Restaurants and bars (ODH)

COVID Preparation:

• Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers (CDC)
• Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations (CDC)
• OHSA Guidance for Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 (OHSA)

Federal Programs for Businesses:

• Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
  • The SBA Small Business Disaster Loan Program makes low interest loans available for working capital, up to $2 million. Additional information on the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program is available at SBA.gov/Disaster.
  • The Paycheck Protection Program / SBA 7(a) Loan Program was created by the passing of the CARES Act. The program makes funds available through approved banks, credit unions and nonbank lenders. More information about this program can be found at gaccovid19.org/resources-for-businesses
  • Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application
    Applications are now available for loan forgiveness as part of the CARES Act. Application and instructions may be found here.
    • If you’re a lender, more information can be found HERE
    • If you’re a borrower, more information can be found HERE
  • SBA Program Information:
    • Guide to CARES Act (PDF)
    • U.S. Chambers Small Business Guide (PDF)
    • Paycheck Protection Program Quick Guide (PDF)
    • SBA COVID Webinar (PDF)
    • SBA COVID Webinar Material (PDF)
    • SBA Disaster Assistance Handout (PDF)
    • Ohio Farm Bureau PPP Information
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act
  This law requires all public employers and private employers with less than 500 employees to provide emergency paid sick leave in certain circumstances and extended paid caregiver leave to employees who are absent from work for reasons related to the coronavirus. Find more information here.
• The CARES Act
  Phase III of the ‘‘Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act’’ or the ‘‘CARES Act,’’ offers $2 trillion in economic relief to individuals and businesses affected by the Coronavirus epidemic. BMD has identified the most significant areas of the bill that could impact or benefit your business. Click herefor an overview.
  • Guide to CARES Act (PDF)
• Main Street Lending Program
  The Federal Reserve established the Main Street Lending Program to enhance support for small and mid-sized businesses that were in good financial standing before the crisis by offering 4-year loans to companies employing up to 10,000 workers or with revenues of less than $2.5 billion. Principal and interest payments will be deferred for one year. Eligible banks may originate new Main Street loans or use Main Street loans to increase the size of existing loans to businesses. Banks will retain a 5 percent share, selling the remaining 95 percent to the Main Street facility, which will purchase up to $600 billion of loans. Firms seeking Main Street loans must commit to make reasonable efforts to maintain payroll and retain workers. Borrowers must also follow compensation, stock repurchase, and dividend restrictions that apply to direct loan programs under the CARES Act. Firms that have taken advantage of the PPP may also take out Main Street loans.
  federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/mainstreetlending

State Programs for Businesses:

• New Ohio Development Service Agency Programs
  • Ohio PPE Retooling and Reshoring Grant Program
  • Ohio Minority Micro-Enterprise Grant Program
  • Appalachian Region Loan Program
  • Ohio Small businesses can learn more about these and other resources available through the Office of Small Business relief and Development at businesshelp.ohio.gov

• The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
  The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is modifying the process for haulers carrying heavy loads of essential goods. Generally, Ohio requires haulers with loads classified as "oversized" to seek advanced permission from ODOT before they are legally allowed to travel in the state. Haulers carrying these essential goods can download and print the permit at transportation.ohio.gov.
   

• Shared Work Ohio
  A voluntary layoff aversion program that allows workers to remain employed and employers to retain trained staff during times of reduced business activity. Employees with reduced hours may claim unemployment insurance benefits proportionate to their reduced hours through Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/SharedWorkOhio/

• Unemployment Insurance Charges
  The State of Ohio has modified eligibility for employees who lose their jobs as a result of a coronavirus-related shut down in order to provide benefits more efficiently to those impacted. For employers, the State has indicated that the State is allowing allows unemployment benefit charges to be mutualized for contributory employers. In addition, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will waive penalties for late reporting and payments during Ohio’s emergency declaration period. jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndUI

Additional Links and Information:

• Goldman Sach’s Small Business Resources
• Economic Resources for Ohio Businesses
• File For Unemployment as a Result of COVID-19
• Greater Akron Chamber COVID-19 Resources for Businesses