As Jackson County learns of information that may be useful to the business community, we will update this information. New information each week will be labeled NEW for quick identification.
NEW The Federal CARES Act makes self-employed and independent contractors eligible for unemployment insurance. The Oregon Employment Department is updating its guidance and information as quickly as they are able. For the latest info, visit: https://govstatus.egov.com/ORUnemployment_COVID19
These Local Organizations May Be Your Best Sources of Information
CARES Act/Paycheck Protection Program:
According to Sen. Merkley’s office, “The Administration/U.S. Treasury has not yet sent banks and credit unions the info they need to accept and process the new Payroll Protection Program (PPG) forgivable loans for small businesses and 501c3 organizations starting tomorrow. Senator Merkley has been recommending that small businesses should make contact with their local bank or credit union and ask to be put on an application list (many banks have started doing this). That way when the Administration releases details, the banks can get back to the small businesses.”
Potential Sources of Loans
For information on financial resources and other COVID-19 help:
Business Oregon’s “Navigator” page has up-to-date information on federal and state financial resources:
https://www.oregon4biz.com/Coronavirus-Information
Business Oregon also has a hotline if you have questions: 833-604-0880
Rogue Valley Workforce Layoff Aversion Funds. We have been informed that there is a very limited amount of money that has been made available through the workforce investment system to make grants to small businesses to avert layoffs. For Rogue Valley businesses, see: http://www.rogueworkforce.org/resources-in-response-to-covid-19/ .
NEW Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs and Small Business Association Micro Loan Program: OAME and SBA's microloan program is available during this time.
U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans. We have been informed that the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). However, we are told that it could take a month to 2 months for a loan application to be approved and funded.
https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19
Applicants may apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
SCDC & the SWOCC SBDC have organized a discussion with CCD Business Corporation and Oregon Pacific Bank to talk about their loan funds and the new SBA offerings. Thursday, April 2nd at 10:00am: https://Bizcenter.zoom.us/j/838739143
Layoff Aversion Funds
There are still small amounts of layoff aversion funds available in our region. Businesses with small needs
that will allow them to avoid layoffs, should contact either SOWIB or RWP. A great example of a grant would be a new server to allow more workers to work remotely. Layoff aversion
CARES ACT: New portal for SBA EIDL applications: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/. See summary of Business Benefits document at the bottom of this page (Documents to Download) box.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Lending:
Documents can be found at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/s6jdu3wnsbkjatv/AADPzpTJi2HEQJB68zgkaHhFa?dl=0
For general information
Business Oregon
Business Oregon has revamped their webpage on Coronavirus resources and established a hotline to help direct businesses to the best resources: http://www.oregon4biz.com/Coronavirus-Information/
Oregon Economic Development Association is collecting a lot of information, particularly on up-coming trainings for businesses:
https://oeda.biz/assisting-communities-businesses-with-coronavirus-impact/
For more general information, such as what businesses are covered by Governor Brown’s Executive Order:
https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19
To connect with a human being:
If you need help figuring out which federal financial assistance programs might apply to you, or with help getting through the process, contact your Small Business Development Center.
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