COVID-19 Updates & Resources
posted on Friday, July 17, 2020 in Grow Cedar Valley

Select from the following category options to be guided to information related to that category.
(Reopening, Returning to the Workplace, Health & Safety Guidelines)
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Recent Updates
Updated 1/8/2021
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NEW - PPP to restart week of 1/11/2021
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Next week, Treasury and SBA will reopen the Paycheck Protection Program. Key update: loan applications will only be accepted from community financial institutions for the first few days.
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On Monday, PPP will reopen for first-time borrowers through CDFIs (community development financial institution) and small lenders, and on Wednesday, it will reopen for eligible borrowers seeking a second round of PPP through CDFIs and small lenders. Underserved businesses can utilize SBA’s Lender Match Tool to be connected with community financial institutions.
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Here are some press releases with additional information as well as new program guidance:
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NEW - COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Business, Industry, and Agriculture
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Coronavirus Relief Package Includes Key Workplace Provisions (SHRM)
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Revolving Loan Fund Available to Help Businesses
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The Iowa Northland Regional Economic Development Commission (INREDC) is administering $500,000 in CARES Revolving Loan Funds which are available to assist eligible businesses with items such as fixed asset acquisition, inventory, and working capital needs.
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COVID/Healthcare Town Hall Recording
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COVID-19 Event Risk Assessment Planning Tool
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This map shows the risk level of attending an event, given the event size and location. The risk level is the estimated chance (0-100%) that at least 1 COVID-19 positive individual will be present at an event in a county, given the size of the event
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COVID-19 Information in multiple languages

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
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)
Unemployment
Small Business Administration
- 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.
- SBA Released EZ Forgiveness Application








- Allowed to apply if you meet one of the following requirements:
- You are self-employed and have no employees
- Note: Businesses that don't meet one of these requirements will still need to complete the Full Forgiveness Application









- You experienced reductions in business activity as a result of health directives related to COVID-19 and did not reduce the salaries or wages of your employees by more than 25%.
- You did not reduce the salaries or wages of your employees by more than 25% and did not reduce the number of hours of your employees
- 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.
- COVID-19 Resource Center
- Request counseling from any center. Phone, email, and video assistance available
Black Hawk County
Other Possible Funding Sources for Business
Cedar Valley Resources
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Mask Up Cedar Valley Flyers
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Grow Cedar Valley has shared some graphics businesses can use to promote the wearing of masks when social distance guidelines can not be followed. We know it is a sacrifice of our comfort, but we believe all measures must be taken seriously when it ensures our area businesses remain open. Please follow mask best practices and guidelines.
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View flyers
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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
- 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.
If there are any questions or concerns, please contact Grow Cedar Valley staff. We welcome your feedback, if there is a resource that you are looking for or requirements please let us know!