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
- 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 of Chandler is providing businesses in industries most impacted by the effects of COVID-19 with grants up to $10,000, based on their employee retention and hiring. Qualifying businesses will receive $1,300 per full-time equivalent employee retained and hired since Dec. 31, 2019, up to the $10,000 maximum. The grants are intended to support Chandler businesses that are keeping employees on payroll as they adjust to revenue losses and business disruptions caused by COVID-19. Approximately $9 million is available for the program on a first-come, first-serve basis and grant dollars will not need to be repaid.
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.
Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application.
The form and instructions inform borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans, consistent with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). SBA will also soon issue regulations and guidance to further assist borrowers as they complete their applications, and to provide lenders with guidance on their responsibilities.
PPP Loan Forgiveness Details
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application
Additional funding has been made available for small business support. The Small Business Administration (SBA) will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications from approved lenders on behalf of eligible borrowers on Monday, April 27 at 10:30 a.m. EDT.
The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act was signed into law Friday, April 24, 2020. The act extends funding for the PPP, EIDL and emergency grants. The new package breaks down into:
- $310 billion for PPP
- $50 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loans
- $10 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Grant cash advances
Agricultural enterprises are now eligible for the PPP in addition to the previously eligible small businesses with less than 500 employees, gig economy workers, independent contractors, tribal businesses, nonprofits 501(c)(3) and veterans organizations 501(c)(19).
Smaller lenders are now approved lenders for the PPP loan. Insured depository institutions, credit unions and community financial institutions with assets that amount to less than $50 billion are now eligible lenders, in addition to the previously eligible 7(a) lenders.
To see if your business is classified as a small business, visit SBA’s size standards.
For assistance, applicants can contact SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. For additional help with the application process, contact your local Small Business Development Centers (SBDC).
Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) | 7(a) Loan Program
The Paycheck Protection Program, one of the largest sections of the CARES Act, is the most important provision in the new stimulus bill for most small businesses. This new program sets aside $350 billion in government-backed loans, and it is modeled after the existing SBA 7(a) loan program many businesses already know. The Program is in effect for the period of February 15, 2020 through June 30, 2020.
Current 7(a) lenders, which includes most banks and credit unions, have delegated authority to make and approve loans. The loan amount under the Paycheck Protection Act is generally based on average monthly payroll costs, with the maximum capped at $10 million, and an interest rate no higher than 4%. No personal guarantee or collateral is required for the loan. Lenders are expected to defer fees, principal and interest for no less than six months and no more than one year.
Small businesses that take out Paycheck Protection Program loans can get some or all of their loans forgiven. Generally speaking, as long as employers continue paying employees at normal levels during the eight weeks following the origination of the loan, then the amount they spent on payroll costs (excluding costs for any compensation above $100,000 annually), mortgage interest, rent payments and utility payments can be combined and that portion of the loan will be forgiven.
The CARES Act also expands eligibility for the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). In early March, the SBA’s disaster loan program was extended to all small businesses affected by COVID-19, but the CARES Act opens this program up further and makes it easier to apply. Small businesses can get both an EIDL and a Paycheck Protection Program loan as long as they don’t pay for the same expenses.
Key Takeaways for PPP Loan:
- Loan is equal to 250% average monthly payroll
- $10M maximum funding amount
- Funds spent on qualifying expenses over 8 weeks can be forgiven
- Unspent amount rolls over into a low-interest loan.
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.