COVID-19 RESOURCES 

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Families First Coronavirus Response Act Notice – Frequently Asked Questions U.S. Department of Lab

• Collection of Webinars can be found here: www.mnchamber.com/blog/covid-19-webinars 

MINNESOTA’S STAY-AT-HOME ORDER SET TO EXPIRE, MORE BUSINESSES TO REOPEN

On Wednesday, May 13, Governor Walz issued a new executive order allowing “all retail stores, malls and other businesses that sell, rent, maintain and repair goods to open beginning on Monday, May 18 as long as they have adopted and implemented a COVID-19 preparedness plan including social distancing guidelines for workers and customers, and allow no more than 50% of the establishment’s occupant capacity at any time.” Click here to view reopening guidance from DEED.

The new executive order is welcome news for businesses throughout the state who are eager to get our economy moving again. Those who have not yet opened their physical doors have been taking responsible steps to design safe work environments and inspire consumer confidence. The Minnesota Chamber is thankful that they will now have that opportunity.

Have questions on the new order or need assistance creating a return to work plan?

• View the Minnesota Chamber’s return to work best practices
• Download the Chamber’s return to work business checklist
• Contact the Chamber’s business assistance team, the Grow Minnesota! Partnership
• List of executive orders from Governor Tim Walz

FUNDING – LOANS AND GRANTS

• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guidance for employers– Links to information on small business products and loans, guidance on access to capital and the local assistance directory.
• U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan application– Minnesota businesses now eligible as of Saturday, March 21.
  • Forms to Fill Out FIRST. Here’s a list of documents you’ll need to provide to complete the application:
  • SBA Form 5or SBA Form 5C for sole proprietorships – SBA loan application
  • IRS Form 4506T– Tax Information Authorization for the applicant, principals and affiliates.
  • Complete copies of the most recent Federal Income Tax Return.
  • SBA Form 2202– Schedule of Liabilities.
  • SBA Form 413– Personal Financial Statement.
  • SBA Form 1368– Monthly sales figures
• SBA’s Minnesota District Office on Economic Injury Disaster Loans: download forms to apply, and more.
  • Have questions about these loans, please watch this video to answer some FAQs.
• DEED small business emergency loans– Interest-free loans ranging from $2,500 to $35,000 and will be based on the firm’s economic injury and the financial need
• DEED Frequently Asked Questions for Employers and Businesses
• Congressional summary of CARES Act for Small Businesses
• Coronavirus emergency loans small business guide and checklistfrom the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) guidefrom the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit for COVID-19 impacted employersfrom the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• How the U.S. Treasury Department is taking action on COVID-19
• Tax Savings Opportunities from the CARES Act by CliftonLarsonAllen
• DEED guide for small businesses on how to navigate state and federal COVID-19 assistance
• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)– SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
  • FAQ from U.S. Department of Treasury Paycheck Protection Program
  •  Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness from the U.S Chamber of Commerce
• Save Small Business Fund – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with founding partner Vistaprint, has launched a grant program to provide assistance to small businesses owners impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
• COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Guide to the Main Street Lending Program from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES

• Minnesota Department of Revenue details on business tax changes– Details on the sales tax payment extension for eligible businesses.
• Minnesota Department of Economic Development resources for employers– Information on staffing, hours, unemployment insurance and assistance for small businesses.
• Coronavirus and unemployment insurance– Specific details on mandatory or voluntary quarantines, changes in hourly work or layoffs, and COVID-19 related costs.
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guidance for employers– Links to information on small business products and loans, guidance on access to capital and the local assistance directory.
• Department of Labor and Industries’ “worker protections”– A summary of FMLA, sick leave, unemployment insurance.
• Minnesota Department of Commerce Licensing Unit guide– Information for Minnesota licensees, regulated entities and consumers during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
• List of Executive Orders from Governor Tim Walz
  • Care for Children of Families of Emergency Workers
• U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan application– Minnesota businesses now eligible as of Saturday, March 21.

TAXES AND REGULATION

• Minnesota Department of Revenue updated tax guidance
• Minnesota Department of Revenue details on business tax changes– Details on the sales tax payment extension for eligible businesses and income tax filing and payment extensions.
• Minnesota Department of Commerce Licensing Unit guide– Information for Minnesota licensees, regulated entities and consumers during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
• Department of Homeland Security announces flexibility in requirements related to Form I-9 compliance
• IRS guidance on 90-day payment delay for April 15 payment
• Estimated payment guidance for 2020 Income Tax Estimated Payments from the Minnesota Department of Revenue
• List of Executive Orders from Governor Tim Walz
• COVID-19 abatement guidelines for businesses and individuals – Minnesota Department of Revenue
• Minnesota Department of Public Safety COVID-19 FAQs

CONSIDERATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES

• U.S. Chamber guide for employers– Outlines how to work with and communicate to employees, make a business continuity plan before and after employees become sick.
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for business– Health and workplace details and suggestions for COVID-19 impacts on different types of businesses and employee activity.
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS) travel advisories– Ongoing updates on travel advisories within the United States and abroad.
• Minnesota Council – Society of Human Resource Management (MNSHRM)– Resources for HR professionals (login required).
• U.S. Department of Labor guide to FMLA in public health emergencies
• U.S Chamber Summary of Latest Congressional Action on Coronavirus Response– March 17
• IRS guidance on 90-day payment delay for April 15 payment
• Information about business interruption insurance– A FAQ developed by the Insurance Federation to provide answers on business interruption coverage.
• Force majeure and Coronavirus– Understand how the “act of God” concept relates to contracts under the Coronavirus.
• Additional time to file and pay Minnesota 2019 individual income tax FAQ

EMPLOYMENT GUIDANCE

• Minnesota Department of Economic Development resources for employers– Information on staffing, hours, unemployment insurance and assistance for small businesses.
• Coronavirus and unemployment insurance– Specific details on mandatory or voluntary quarantines, changes in hourly work or layoffs, and COVID-19 related costs.
• Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s “worker protections”– A summary of FMLA, sick leave, unemployment insurance.
• Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry – Frequently asked questions for employers and employees related to COVID-19
• Minnesota Council – Society of Human Resource Management (MNSHRM)– Resources for HR professionals (login required).
• U.S. Department of Labor guide to FMLA in public health emergencies
• U.S. Department of Labor guidance on paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave benefits
  • Families First Coronavirus Response Act FAQs
  • Workplace poster for paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
• Employer Guide on Coronavirus Paid Leave Programs from the U.S Chamber of Commerce
• Workers’ compensation coverage for employees who contract COVID-19 – An FAQ from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
• DEED Unemployment Insurance Statistics
• MNOSHA COVID-19 Compliance
• Independent Contractor’s Guide to CARES Act Relief from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Return to work draft template for businesses from Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
• COVID-19 prevention best practices from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
• New executive order allows some businesses, employees to return to work
  • On Thursday, April 23, Governor Walz issued a new executive order to start returning some Minnesota employees to work. This order impacts workers in non-customer facing industrial and office-based businesses who cannot work from home. According to DEED, the order “will allow around 20,000 businesses and roughly 80,000 – 100,000 workers to go back to work beginning on Monday, April 27.”
  • DEED guide for businesses
  • DEED guid for employees
  • Frequently asked questions
• OSHA’s Response to Workplace Safety and Coronavirus Exposure– guidance to cover three of the main questions: how should employers protect their employees; do employers have to record cases of COVID-19 on their injury logs; and how will OSHA conduct enforcement related to Coronavirus?
• Information on health coverage– A guide from the U.S. Chamber on options for individuals who have lost employer sponsored coverage due to the coronavirus
• Unemployment insurance under the CARES Act– A guide from the U.S. Chamber
• Federal Liability Problems and Solutions – A guide from the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform

UNDERSTANDING ECONOMIC IMPACTS

• U.S. Chamber Foundation guide to corporate aid– A list of corporate entities who donated or changed business practices to help fight COVID-19 around the world.
• Wall St. Journal guide to economic impacts– Summarizes data points to watch that will define economic impacts.
• Quick take on Coronavirus’ economic impact– Summarizes how businesses have been impacted so far.

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES

• SBA Loan Update – On March 18, the Minnesota Chamber participated in a conference call with the MN DEED. It is our understanding that Governor Walz submitted a request to the Small Business Administration for a low-interest federal disaster loan for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. We anticipate a decision will be made within the next 48 hours and will update this site as information and resources become available.
• Facebook announces $100 million grant program for small businesses being impacted by Coronavirus
• U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan application– Minnesota businesses now eligible as of Saturday, March 21.
  • Forms to Fill Out FIRST. Here’s a list of documents you’ll need to provide to complete the application:
  • SBA Form 5or SBA Form 5C for sole proprietorships – SBA loan application
  • IRS Form 4506T– Tax Information Authorization for the applicant, principals and affiliates.
  • Complete copies of the most recent Federal Income Tax Return.
  • SBA Form 2202– Schedule of Liabilities.
  • SBA Form 413– Personal Financial Statement.
  • SBA Form 1368– Monthly sales figures
• DEED small business emergency loans – Interest-free loans ranging from $2,500 to $35,000 and will be based on the firm’s economic injury and the financial need.
• DEED Frequently Asked Questions for Employers and Businesses
• Congressional summary of CARES Act for Small Businesses
• Coronavirus emergency loans small business guide and checklist from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• DEED guide for small businesses on how to navigate state and federal COVID-19 assistance

SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF FUND

• The Entrepreneur Fund has developed the Small Business Relief Fund to support businesses in our region hard hit by the Coronavirus pandemic. Funding will allow EF to provide financial grant assistance to business owners who are facing significant challenges but do not qualify for local, state or federal relief. You can find more information on this initiative
• Right now, the fund is seeking donations to support its development and not yet accepting applications.

KEEPING WORKPLACES SAFE AND HEALTHY

• U.S. Chamber guide to healthy habits– Background on COVID-19 and best practices to stay healthy and deal with employee diagnosis.
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updates– Ongoing updates on the disease, how it is spread, where is exists and testing.
• Minnesota Department of Health resources– Updates on cases in Minnesota, best practices to prepare and prevent spread in workplaces.
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) COVID-19 health updates– Detailed updates on risk factors, symptoms, treatment.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guide for workplaces– Specific to federal standards for preventing spread in workplaces.
• Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) COVID-19 resource page (English)– Daily updates on the number and nature of Coronavirus cases in Minnesota and best practices for citizens to remain safe and healthy.
  • Spanish
  • Somali
  • Hmong

OTHER RESOURCES

• Information about business interruption insurance– A FAQ developed by the Insurance Federation to provide answers on business interruption coverage.
• Force majeure and Coronavirus– Understand how the “act of God” concept relates to contracts under the Coronavirus.
• Minnesota Department of Health overview of COVID-19 – now available in 20 languages
• Homeland Security and Emergency Management – Opportunity for businesses to offer resources, supplies or personnel to COVID-19 response efforts
• COVID-19 State and Local Policy Dashboard
• Leveraging USPS to Manage Your Business
• Collection of Webinars can be found here: www.mnchamber.com/blog/covid-19-webinars
• Businesses around Minnesota need assistance to withstand the challenges of COVID-19. Many cities and counties throughout the state have grant or loan programs available to businesses, so their local economies can compete and thrive. The Minnesota Chamber’s Grow Minnesota! Partnership has compiled a list of available funding at the city and county level.
  • Find your community on this list, and apply for valuable resources to keep your company operating. If you don’t see your community on this list, email growminnesota@mnchamber.com, and Grow Minnesota! Partnership staff will get back to you with details about your area.
• St. Louis County COVID-19 Business Resource Guide can be found here https://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=cqpnQdRBsfE%3D&portalid=0

USDA Rural Development Actions

Over the past week, USDA Rural Development has been taking a number of actions to help those affected by COVID-19. All of the actions taken by the Agency regarding COVID-19 are being posted to www.rd.usda.gov/coronoavirus.