Business Preparedness
Businesses small and large are asking what they can do to help reduce the spread of the Coronavirus, how to keep their employees and customers safe, and what this means for their business. We’ve compiled a shortlist of resources to help you navigate your role as a member of the business community:
- CDC: Resources for Businesses and Employers
- AZDHS: Community & Business Partners
- WHO: Employers and Workers
- Mental Health Resources
Food Industry/Restaurant Guidance
- Safest Outside Restaurant Assistance Program: Applications Open Dec. 7
- AZDHS: Guidance for Restaurants Providing Dine-in Service
- FDA: Guidance for COVID-19 Confirmed Positive/Exposed Worker
- CDC: Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19
AZ Dept of Health Services Benchmarks for Businesses to Resume Operations
Business Resources
The City is tracking provisions of the CARES Act closely. Below you will find additional information related to funding programs available to small businesses affected by the coronavirus including the U.S. Small Business (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans and the Paycheck Protection Program.
The City of Chandler recognizes that the ability to maintain private sector employment levels preserves the economic strength of the community and its citizens. Therefore, the City Council has allocated Arizona Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (AZCARES) funds for a program that provides eligible Chandler businesses the opportunity to obtain an award up to $10,000 for employee retention and hiring.
Qualifying businesses can apply to receive $1,300 per full-time equivalent (FTE) employee retained or hired since Sept. 30, 2020, up to a maximum of $10,000. This part of the program is being administered by the Arizona Community Foundation. Businesses seeking funding should visit the Arizona Community Foundation for eligibility criteria and to apply online. The deadline to apply is 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021.
The program also provides support for businesses that use independent contractors. Qualifying businesses can apply to receive $1,300 for every $40,000 in compensation paid to 1099-eligible independent contractors during 2020, up to a maximum of $10,000. This part of the program is being administered by the City. See below for eligibility criteria and application materials. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021.
Businesses that were previously funded through the program in 2020 can submit a new application and receive additional relief funding up to the $10,000 maximum.
The City of Chandler’s Economic Development Division, in partnership with the Industrial Development Authority, has initiated a “Choose Chandler” reimbursement grant program to assist small businesses with costs incurred from purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE). Qualifying Chandler businesses can apply for a "Choose Chandler" grant in amounts between $100 and $500. The Chandler Industrial Development Authority has made a total of $200,000 available for the program. Business owners must submit an application for reimbursement, receipt(s) detailing PPE purchase(s) and a business W9.
Through the use of Arizona Cares Act funding, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce is distributing I Choose Chandler PPE Kits to Chandler businesses who qualify for the program.
The PPE Kit consists of the following:
- Two (2) boxes of 50 each 3-Ply Non-Medical Face Mask with Ear-Loop
- One (1) Automatic Dispenser White Stand
- One (1) Hand Sanitizer, 1 Gallon
Chandler businesses must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a PPE Kit:
- Be a registered business with the City of Chandler
- Have 100 or less employees
The City of Chandler recognizes the challenges that capacity limitations implemented in response to COVID-19 has created for businesses. In order to support businesses as they adjust to these limitations, the City has made it easier than ever for businesses to expand their capacity. In October, City Council streamlined the approval process for extensions of premises by allowing the City Manager or designee to approve and waive fees for extensions of premises, in an effort to better respond to the needs of Chandler businesses.
There are different ways to expand capacity, depending on your business. Please see the options below for more information and to determine which option applies for your business.
Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) | 7(a) Loan Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.
To promote access to capital, initially, only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter.
This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
Key PPP updates include:
- PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
- PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
- The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, destination marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
- The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
- Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
- Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:
- Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
- Has no more than 300 employees; and
- Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.
For more information, contact your local 7(a) lender.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, also known as the “SBA Disaster Loan” provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
Businesses may apply for both EIDL and PPP, although funds cannot be used for the same purpose.
Key Takeaways for EIDL loan
- $2M maximum funding amount
- 3.75% interest rate with loan terms up to a maximum of 30 years
- $10,000 advance can be obtained within 3 days *repayment not required on the advance amount
Resources
The SBA Express Bridge Loan (EBL) program is a pilot program that allows SBA Express Lenders authority to deliver expedited SBA-guaranteed financing on an emergency basis for disaster-related purposes to eligible small businesses, while the small businesses apply for and await long-term EIDL financing.
Key Takeaways for Express Bridge Loan Terms
- Up to $25,000
- Fast turnaround
- Will be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from the EIDL loan
Contact your local lender for additional details and to activate this business loan.
This program covers non-disaster, business loan payments for six months including principle, interest and fees.
As part of SBA's debt relief efforts
- The SBA will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a), 504, and microloans for a period of six months.
- The SBA will also automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of new 7(a), 504, and microloans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
Speak to your current financial provider to apply this assistance to your active business loan. Once requested, funds should quickly be applied.
The Federal Reserve has announced that it is establishing a Main Street Lending Program (Program) to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in good financial standing before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Program will operate through two facilities: the Main Street New Loan Facility (MSNLF) and the Main Street Expanded Loan Facility (MSELF).
- Payroll Tax Deferment program
- Defer your share of business Social Security taxes until 2022
- Funds must be paid back
- 50% of the deferral must be paid by 12/2021, with the remaining 50% paid by 12/2022
- IRS Issued FAQ
- Employee Retention Tax Credit
- Refundable Tax Credit equal to 50% of qualified wages
- Max credit per employee: $5,000
- IRS Issued FAQ
- U.S. Chamber Guide
- Credit for Sick and Family Leave
- Credit for Caring for someone with Coronavirus
- Credit for Children due to Daycare/ School Closure
- Credit for Eligible Employers
Let’s Get You on the Map
The City of Chandler has created an interactive map for businesses to submit specials, services (delivery, takeout, curbside pickup), and if they are hiring. Help us help you and submit your business. We’ll be sharing on our social media platforms.
Business Questions?
Mayor Kevin Hartke, Chandler City Council and City leadership are committed to providing the resources needed to assist local businesses during this time of uncertainty.
Please let us know what questions or resources you need and we will do our best to address them.
Emergency Declaration – Summary
March 19, 2020
The Chandler City Code sets forth the emergency management powers and scope of organization for the City of Chandler, including its residents, visitors, and businesses. The design of Chapter 6, Emergency Management, is to “[r]educe the vulnerability of people and the community to damage, injury, and loss of life and property resulting from natural or manmade catastrophes.” C.M.C. 6-1(A). In the code, the City Manager is appointed as the Emergency Director. C.M.C. 6-2. The authority to declare a local emergency is vested in the Mayor. A.R.S. § 26.311 and C.M.C. 6-3.2. Mayor Hartke issued a Proclamation Declaration of Local Emergency on March 19, 2020.
What does Chandler’s Declaration mean for the community?
The Declaration urges businesses and individuals to voluntarily agree to socially distance and take precautions to avoid community spread of COVID-19. It encourages businesses and residents to review and implement the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) guidelines on COVID-19 and President Trump’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 15 Days to Slow the Spread.
Does Chandler’s Declaration make businesses eligible for state or federal funding?
Chandler’s Declaration does not provide for funding nor does Chandler have the legal ability to make businesses eligible for state or federal funding. However, funding may be eligible from either the state or federal governments. We encourage businesses to continue to monitor the state and federal guidelines and announcements.
How does Chandler’s Declaration affect private businesses?
Chandler’s Declaration does not affect contracts between individuals and businesses or mandate businesses to close. Chandler’s Declaration does not activate force majure contract provisions and it is recommended that you consult your legal counsel as it relates to particular circumstances.
Do I have to close my business?
No but it is strongly recommended that businesses implement the CDC recommendations and guidance on how to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. It does ask for businesses selling food to voluntarily convert to the use of delivery, window, or drive-through service as well as to avoid having groups of 10 or more gather in dining or other areas.
Are gatherings of groups with less than ten people okay?
At this point, groups of fewer than ten people fall within the CDC guidelines. However, we encourage you to continue to monitor state and federal health guidelines.
How can I obtain more information on City updates and COVID-19?
Please visit COVID-19 for City updates and the Arizona Department of Health Services for information on COVID-19.
On April 6, 2020, Governor Doug Ducey issued an Executive Order halting evictions in the state for small businesses and nonprofits that are unable to pay rent due to financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The order also encourages commercial landlords to defer rent payments for small business tenants facing economic hardship due to COVID-19 and consider waiving all fees and interest associated with late payments. Under the order, evictions will be halted until May 31, 2020.