COVID-19 Update
posted on Friday, July 17, 2020 in Grow Cedar Valley
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(Reopening, Returning to the Workplace, Health & Safety Guidelines)
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Recent Updates
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Governor announces enhanced enforcement efforts of social distancing
. The discipline model will be enforced by both the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division.
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For businesses with an alcoholic beverage permit or license, the Alcoholic Beverage Division will issue a $1,000 fine for the first offense. For businesses with only a food licence, the DIA will issue a warning.
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The second documented infraction for either a business with only a food license as well as those with both food and alcohol permit or license will trigger a seven-day suspension of their business' alcohol permit or license by ABD, as well as a seven-day suspension by DIA of the business' food license.
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A third infraction will trigger the revocation of all food and alcohol permits and licenses for the offending business.
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IEDA announces new e-commerce platform to support Iowa’s small businesses
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Shop Iowa is an easy-to-use platform that gives retailers, particularly those who didn’t previously have an online presence, a place to showcase their products and businesses; and allows consumers to browse through local stores for clothing, books, games, pet supplies and much more.
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Cedar Valley School Districts Request Flexibility from Businesses
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Waterloo Community School District, in partnership with many schools across the Cedar Valley is asking for businesses to grant flexibility to employees to transport their child(ren) to and from school.
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Will your business or organization support our Cedar Valley K-12 educational institutions? Use this graphic on social media to share.
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Changes Made to Main Street Lending Program
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The minimum employment threshold for nonprofits was lowered from 50 employees to 10.
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The limit on donation-based funding was eased.
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Several financial eligibility criteria were adjusted to accommodate a wider range of nonprofit operating models.
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Each organization must be a tax-exempt organization as described in section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code.
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Review this chart for additional details on final terms
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COVID Recovery Iowa Outreach Program: Free crisis counseling and other services over via zoom to those in the Cedar Valley that have been impacted by COVID (services available in English and Spanish).
- SBA Released EZ Forgiveness Application
- Allowed to apply if you meet one of the following requirements:
- SBA Updated PPP guidance
- Updates reflect changes enacted by the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act.
- Businesses now can use PPP funds over a 24-week period, and the covered period for the loan was extended until Dec. 31, 2020.
State of Iowa
Business Guidance & Financial Assistance
Categories
Tips
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Review your supply chain and analyze the potential impact and alternatives for supplies.
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Review finances, work on contingencies of how to manage finances should a business begin to slow, talk with your banker about options that you can tap into should the need arise.
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Talk with your business insurance provider as well.
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If the business does slow, document your losses.
Economic Impact Disaster Loans
- SBA Reopened Application form for Economic Injury Disaster Loan
- This program provides flexible working capital loans at a rate of 3.75% (2.75% for nonprofits) with a term of up to 30 years. Applicants also are eligible for an advance amount of up to $10,000 ($1,000 per employee). If you have already applied for EIDL and have not received a decision, do not reapply. The SBA is still working on processing EIDL applications it has already received.
- IEDA Announces COVID-19 Small Business Utility Disruption Prevention Program
- Financial Assistance Now Available to Eligible Small Businesses and Non Profits for COVID-19 Utility Disruption
- SBA Makes Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Available to U.S. Agricultural Businesses
- Starting Monday, April 4, Agricultural Businesses are now eligible for the SBA's EIDL Advance Programs
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Agricultural businesses include businesses engaged in the legal production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries (as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)). Eligible agricultural businesses must have 500 or fewer employees.
- VGM Summary of the Six Main Economic Stimulus Programs
- Small Business Administration COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Guide to Emergency Loans for Small Businesses
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL): A loan through the SBA for small businesses (less than 500 employees). Up to $2 million, 30-year term, 3.75% interest for profit (2.75% nonprofit). A $10,000 cash advance may be applied for (forgivable).
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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP/CARES): Loan through banks that are SBA lenders. 2-year term, 1% interest. A portion of this loan can be forgivable based on payroll figures. Borrowers may request PPP and EIDL, but cannot use the funds for the same purpose.
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SBA Loan Deferrals: 7a Loans have a 6-month deferral. Deferrals may also be offered on 504 loans.
IRS Tax Relief
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
The FFCRA legislation took effect on April 1, 2020, and includes expansions of FMLA and Paid Sick Leave. Mandates apply to all employers with less than 500 employees (with some exemptions).
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)
- Business Recovery Guidance
- TSB Sole Operator Fund
- The program offers eligible small businesses grants ranging from $5,000-$10,000 to businesses that are single owners with no employees that are also TSB certified, or have an application submitted by April 10, 2020 to become TSB certified. The targeted small business can be sole proprietors that are 51% women or minority owned, disabled or veteran disabled businesses only.
- Iowa Business Tax Deferral
- Delays state withholding and sales tax payment until July.
Unemployment
Small Business Development Center
Black Hawk County
Other Possible Funding Sources for Business
Cedar Valley Resources
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Grow Cedar Valley's Return to Work Guide
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As the Cedar Valley continues to reopen, Grow Cedar Valley is doing the same. Our staff is gradually returning to the office while still conducting a majority of our work remotely. If your business is looking for assistance for reopening, please check out/use our Return to Work Guide as a reference!
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Mask of Wellness
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EMBARC helplines in 10 different languages for refugee and immigrant community members for help with basic medical questions, essential supplies like food, victim services, and applying for unemployment benefits.
- Local Marketing Match Grant Program
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Waterloo Courier along with Amplified Digital and Lee Enterprise are offering marketing matching grants from $250-$150,000/month per business. The program covers print and digital ads and agency products. Awards will be made for April, May, and June.
- Service and opportunities from Grow Cedar Valley Investors
- Cedar Valley Strong: Local effort to communicate businesses still open, and clearinghouse for support of local business.
- Cedar Falls Downtown Local Business Updates
- #EatLoveWaterloo: Local effort to communicate businesses still open, and clearinghouse for support of local business.
- KWWL Takeout Guide
- Local businesses need your support. Check out our online directory, a great place to start.
- 5 Ways to Help Your Favorite Restaurant Survive COVID-19
- How you can help Cedar Valley Hospitals with COVID-19
- How to sew masks for MercyOne Hospital
- Cedar Falls, Iowa COVID-19 Relief and Information Site
- Waterloo, Iowa COVID-19 Information Hub
Other Resources
Information for Employers (Reopening, Returning to the Workplace, Health & Safety Guidelines)
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Reopening/Returning to the Workplace
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Health & Safety Guidelines
Grow Cedar Valley
We realize that the uptick in cancellations may feel alarming. Remember that these are all strategies to stop the spread. In light of that, we at Grow Cedar Valley will be implementing the following procedures to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus:
- All staff will telecommute when possible.
- Non-essential events and meetings have been or will be canceled, postponed or adjusted to take place as a virtual meeting.
- The Grow Cedar Valley Office will be open by appointment only and critical organizational operations. Walk in’s and access from the general public will be restricted until further notice.
As our community continues to contend with this health crisis, we want to thank our critical service workers, businesses, non-profits, and governments that have and will be on the front lines. We recognize that this is a fluid situation with changes occurring hourly around our community and the country. Rest assured, we will continue to monitor the situation and provide any updates regarding our operations.
Additionally, these resources built and shared are based on the work by the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
If there are any questions or concerns, please contact Grow Cedar Valley staff. We welcome your feedback, if there a resource that you are looking for or are in need of please let us know!