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WAYS YOU CAN HELP
As a community organization, we’re committed to helping our members, partners, and community through this difficult time. Here are some ways you can help.
3.26.2020-United Way Launches Neighbors in Need Fund >
3.20.2020-The Willimantic Fire Department and several other public service agencies are looking for supplies. If you have any extra of the following or know where they are in stock to purchase please send us an email at diane@windhamchamber.com. We are looking for the following: N95 masks, surgical masks, medical gloves, sanitizer, sani-wipes. Thank you.
3.20.2020 – CLiCK will be accepting any extra, unused vegetables from your restaurant, soup kitchen or food pantry from now until further notice. Produce can be dropped off at CLiCK outside in a designated location or we can pick up outside your establishment. The produce will be used by our chefs to make soup that will be redistributed to the community for free.
If there is no one on site when you choose to drop off, staff will be here daily to take it inside.
For more information call CLiCK at 860-876-7907 or email clickwillimantic@gmail.com.
CHAMBER NEWS RELEASES
We know everyone is inundated with email right now so we’re sharing our latest news releases here so you can always check for the latest updates. Click on the subject/date links to open the newsletter.
ARE YOU RE-OPENING? NEED MASKS AND THERMOMETERS? GET THEM FOR FREE
ARE YOU PROPERLY INSURED TO RE-OPEN WITH ALL THESE NEW GUIDELINES? OUR WEBINAR CAN HELP, AND ARE YOU READY TO RE-OPEN? SBDC GAVE IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
5.15.20 6:15PM
DECD HAS OPENED ITS SELF-CERTIFICATION PORTAL
SBA ANSWERED QUESTIONS ABOUT EIDL, BRIDGE LOANS, PPP AND PPP FORGIVENESS, RESULTS OF A STATE WIDE BUSINESS SURVEY,
CT SCHOOLS TO GET $111 MILLION, TREASURY EXTENDS SAFE HARBOR PERIOD TO MAY 18, CT HUMANITIES AWARDS CARES ACT FUNDS TO NONPROFITS, AND CT HUMANITIES QUICK GRANT DEADLINE
5.14.20 8:53PM
Must Read – NEW CLARIFICATION ON UNEMPLOYMENT PUA
REVIEW OF IRS RELIEF TO TAXPAYERS FACING COVID, HOW TO RE-OPEN YOUR BUSINESS WITH SBDC, & USDA WEBINAR FOR FARMERS, RANCHERS AND OTHER PRODUCERS
5.13.20 8:27PM
DID YOU APPLY FOR PUA AND GET A CONFIRMATION EMAIL?
DID YOU GET YOUR ECONOMIC IMPACT CHECK OF $1200? DEADLINE WED 13TH, CT STATE GUIDELINES FOR RE-OPENING, WEBINAR HELD TODAY WITH ATTORNEYS FROM UKS: RE-OPENING YOUR BUSINESS IN CT, NEED PPE TO RE-OPEN AND CAN’T FIND IT?
5.12.20 8:08PM
State of CT Guidelines for Re-Opening + Special Event Tomorrow!
SPECIAL EVENT TOMORROW WITH UKS & RE-OPEN CT GUIDELINES
5.11.20 4:49PM
EVENTS THIS WEEK YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS!
SELF-EMPLOYED UNEMPLOYMENT IS NOW AVAILABLE! GETTING BACK TO BUSINESS, HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR EMPLOYEES, & The Chamber has created a basic informational guide for you to use now when you have to decide when and if to re-open your business.
5.11.20 9:00AM
CHAMBER HAS STARTED NEW FOCUS ON HELPING BUSINESSES RE-OPEN
KIDS OUT OF SCHOOL UNTIL NEXT YEAR, CT RE-OPEN SURVEY, EIDL LOANS AVAILABLE NOW FOR FARMERS, WINDHAM RE-OPEN TASK FORCE, AND FUNDING FOR CT ARTS ORGANIZATIONS
5.5.20 6:30PM
ITS TIME TO GET BACK TO BUSINESS! A MUST WEBINAR FOR EVERY BUSINESS OWNER!
WE NEED YOUR INSIGHT ON RE-OPENING CT, AND INTERVIEW REGARDING PROGRAMS FOR SELF-EMPLOYED BUSINESSES DURING COVID
5.4.20 5:05PM
UNEMPLOYMENT FOR THE SELF-EMPLOYED, 1099, GIG
WHAT TO DO IF YOU STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED YOUR $1200 PAYMENT, AND FREE VIRTUAL CORPORATE TRAINING AT QVCC
5.1.20 10:10AM
UNEMPLOYMENT FOR THE SELF-EMPLOYED TO BEGIN TODAY!
4.30.20 1:25PM
PPP LOAN- MORE QUESTIONS ANSWERED, SAFE WORKPLACE RULES TO FOLLOW WHEN RE-HIRING
UNEMPLOYMENT FOR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS, GIG PERFORMERS, SELF-EMPLOYED FILING STARTS TOMORROW, SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY RELIEF, AND UNEMPLOYMENT STATISTICS BROKEN DOWN
4.29.20 9:39PM
4/28 IMPORTANT UPDATES
GUIDE FOR ALL COVID RELATED PROGRAMS FROM CONGRESSMAN COURTNEY, EMPLOYEE RIGHTS POSTERS, PAYROLL PROTECTION PROGRAM UPDATED RULES, ISSUES WITH UNEMPLOYMENT, FREE FACE MASKS FOR ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES, AND UPCOMING TOWN HALL MEETINGS ABOUT RE-OPENING BUSINESSES IN CONNECTICUT
4.28.20 8:39PM
UNEMPLOYMENT FOR SELF-EMPLOYED, 1099 & GIG PERFORMERS OPENS APRIL 30
PPP LOAN/GRANT CLARIFICATION, FREE FACE MASKS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES, NEIGHBORS FOR NEIGHBORS FUND, AND DEADLINE FOR VA, SSI WITH CHILDRENWHO DON’T FILE TAXES IS MAY 5
4.2.20 8:31PM
APPLY ASAP! PPP BEGINS AGAIN TODAY
EIDL NOT ACCEPTING AT THIS TIME, AND WHAT TO DO IF YOU APPLIED FOR A PPP LOAN AND HAVE NOT HEARD
4.27.20 12:55PM
WASHINGTON APPROVED ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE EIDL AND PPP
BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE-SHARE INFO AND BEST IDEAS, AND RESTRICTIONS COULD BEGIN TO BE LIFTED IN JUNE
4.24.20 8:12PM
HUGE! CRITICAL INFO ON PPP AND UNEMPLOYMENT—YOU NEED TO READ THIS!
IMPORTANT INFO IF YOU APPLIED FOR OR HAVE RECEIVED YOUR PPP, FILING FOR UNEMPLOYMENT, SOME FUNDS/GRANTS/LOANS CONSIDERED TAXABLE INCOME, FRONTLINE WORKERS CHILD CARE SUBSIDY, AND SAFETY NET FUNDS FOR PEOPLE IN NEED
4.23.20 7:45PM
4/22 Important COVID-19 Updates
UPCOMING SEMINARS, NEW WORKPLACE RULES, INFO ON COVID BENEFITS/PROGRAMS NOW IN SPANISH, RELIEF PROGRAMS TO BE “RE-FUNDED” BY CONGRESS, NEW LOAN PROGRAM: MAIN STREET LENDING PROGRAM, CT OFFICE OF THE ARTS GRANTS, IMPORTANT SURVEYS, WEBINARS, AND HUMANITIES GRANTS
4.22.20 11:57AM
Small Business Roundtable Helps Many
IRS WEBINAR ANSWERS YOUR TAX QUESTIONS, VETERANS WILL NOT NEED TO FILE ANYTHING TO GET $1200 PAYMENT, CHILD DEPENDENTS PAYMENTS, STATE PARTNERING WITH SOFI & EQUIFAX
4.20.20 7:48PM
GOVERNOR MANDATES USE OF MASKS IN PUBLIC
ADDITIONAL GRANTS, PPP FUNDS—GOOD PROGRESS IN CONGRESS, POSTPONED PRIMARIES, ADVANCECT 2 ND SURVEY, STIMULUS CHECKS ARE TO BE USED TO MEET BASIC NEEDS NOT BANK FEES, WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT YOUR STATE TAXES, AND MARINE MANUFACTURERS
4.19.20 12:15PM
New Grant, Webinars, and Other Important Updates
TAX WEBINAR WITH THE IRS, CALL TO ACTION FOR $$ FOR ALL SMALL BUSINESSES, NEW KIND OF FRAUD FOR EMPLOYERS-BEWARE, STIMULUS CHECKS ON THEIR WAY, FREE SOFTWARE TO FILE YOUR TAXES, FREE LIFE INSURANCE FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS, COVID 19 MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR INSURED IS 100% COVERED, NEW GRANT FROM LAST GREEN VALLEY, AND MAPLEFEST 2020
4.16.20 8:06PM
SBA LOAN PROGRAMS (EIDL) AND PPP ARE CLOSED
SEXUAL HARASSMENT MANDATES EXTENDED 90 DAYS, USDA ASSISTANCE TO THOSE WITH LOANS/PROGRAMS THROUGH USDA, CONGRESSMAN COURTNEY WRITES LETTER TO SBA ASKING FOR CLARIFICATION ON EIDL LOANS, AND WAIM’S NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY NET FUND
4.16.20 3:13PM
Unemployment Updates, Economic Impact Checks & PPP
GOOD NEWS ABOUT UNEMPLOYMENT, ECONOMIC IMPACT CHECKS $1200, AND PPP LOAN APPROVAL
4.16.20 9:35AM
NEW $5000 GRANT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES BY US CHAMBER
The US Chamber has a new grant program for small businesses. The program is for “employers” but does not specify if it is for profit or if nonprofits can apply. If you employ people, apply for the grant.
4.15.20 4:52PM
NEW Assistance FAQ’s & Resources You Need
HAVING TROUBLE FINDING A LENDER?, HELP FOR FURLOUGHED VETERANS, ANSWERS FOR EMPLOYERS REGARDING LABOR, RESTAURANT STRONG GRANTS FOR RESTAURANT WORKERS, AND ASSISTANCE FOR COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL RENTERS
4.15.20 9:55AM
PRINTABLE FLYERS & POSTERS
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE FLYERS & POSTERS FOR YOUR WORKPLACE & COMMUNITY
CDC Posters and Flyers on Coronavirus >
WHITEHOUSE.GOV – POTUS Guidelines for America-15 Days to Slow the Spread >
English/Spanish Basic Coronavirus Care Posters from Generations Health Care >
SAFETY NET FUNDS FOR PEOPLE IN NEED – ENGLISH >
SAFETY NET FUNDS FOR PEOPLE IN NEED – SPANISH >
BUSINESS LOAN RESOURCES
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO FIND OUT THE LATEST LEGISLATIVE UPDATES RELATED TO COVID-19
Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Checklist by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce >
Released 3.27.2020
Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act >
Released 3.27.2020
Coronavirus Loan Comparison Chart >
Released 3.27.2020
LEGISLATIVE ACTION
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO FIND OUT THE LATEST LEGISLATIVE UPDATES RELATED TO COVID-19
US Chamber Small Business ELA Loan Guide >
Released 3.31.2020
CARES Act Presentation >
Released 3.31.2020
Employee Rights >
Released 3.30.2020
FFRCA Questions & Answers >
Released 3.27.20
Emergency Paid Sick Leave >
Released 3.19.2020
Notice 2020-17 – The Treasury Department and IRS are extending the due date for Federal income tax payments due April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, for payments due of up to $10 million for corporations and up to $1 million for individuals – regardless of filing status – and other unincorporated entities. Associated interest, additions to tax, and penalties for late payment will also be suspended until July 15, 2020.
Released 3.18.2020
HB 6201 Families First Coronavirus Response Act >
First Families Coronavirus Response Act-What Employers Need to Know >
UNEMPLOYMENT – WHAT YOUR EMPLOYEES SHOULD EXPECT
Additional Unemployment Q & A from NBC News 3.27.2020:
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS-NEW MONEY & BENEFITS
Q: I just lost my job. What kind of help can I get?
Once you’re on unemployment insurance in your state, you will be eligible for an extra $600 per week in emergency federal compensation through July 31, 2020. That’s in addition to what you’ll receive in state benefits.
Q: Do I get that $600 if I was already getting unemployment before the outbreak?
Yes.
Q: I’m working from home. Can I get any benefits?
Sorry. People who are employed and working from home aren’t eligible.
Q: What if I worked part time or had my hours cut?
It depends on your state. Some provide benefits to part-time workers, but others don’t.
It’s a similar situation for those whose hours are cut. The bill provides funding for states that want to provide benefits when companies slashed workers’ hours without laying them off. But not every state provides those benefits, and it appears the federal government is deferring to them on this.
Q: I had just found a job when coronavirus hit, but I hadn’t started work. Will I be eligible?
Yes. If you were scheduled to start a job, but lost the job or are unable to get to it as a result of coronavirus, you’ll be eligible.
Q: I’m self-employed and didn’t previously qualify for unemployment. Am I eligible now?
Yes. This bill creates a new program, called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, that extends benefits to gig workers, contractors and others who wouldn’t otherwise qualify for unemployment compensation but cannot work due to the coronavirus emergency. You’ll get the $600 per week, plus half the average unemployment benefit in your state.
Q: $600 is more than I made before losing my job. Will they cut my benefit?
No. If you qualify for unemployment, the $600 per week applies regardless of what your salary was. (There was a last-minute kerfuffle where a few Senate Republicans tried to reduce the benefits for those who were earning less, but that effort failed.)
Q: Are unemployment benefits taxable income?
Yes.
Q: What if I’m sick or caring for a sick family member. Will they help me?
You should be eligible for assistance once you certify that you’re ordinarily able and willing to work but can’t because of the virus emergency. That includes if you’ve tested positive or exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, or if you’re caring for a member of your household or family who has been diagnosed with the illness.
You should also be covered if you’re out of work due to an inability to reach the office due to a quarantine imposed as a direct result of the coronavirus crisis.
Q: What happens when my state unemployment benefits run out?
In most states, people who lose their job can typically get up to 26 weeks of unemployment, and then it stops, even if you haven’t found a new job. This bill will provide another 13 weeks once it runs out. After those 39 weeks, if an “extended benefits” program is triggered, that can provide an additional 13 to 20 weeks of compensation.
Q: How long do I have to be out of work to start getting benefits?
Some states require a one-week waiting period for people who become unemployed before they start collecting benefits. Under this bill, Washington will pick up the full cost for states that want to provide those benefits immediately, instead of waiting one week. But ultimately, it’s up to the state you live in to decide whether to provide benefits during that first week.
Q: I might’ve lied to claim benefits. What happens to me?
If you knowingly misrepresented your situation, you could be cut off from receiving any further pandemic unemployment compensation and face a fine and jail time under the law.
Your Unemployment Questions Answered >
3.23.2020
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) >
BUSINESS RESOURCES & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOMENT
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO FIND BUSINESS RESOURCES & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES DURING COVID-19
Murtha Cullina Managing the COVID 19 Pandemic in the Workplace >
3.27.2020
Government Support for Creative Professionals Impacted by COVID-19 >
Employee Rights >
3.30.2020
FFRCA Questions & Answers >
3.27.20
Webinar: Success Strategies for Working From Home >
3.27.2020
Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Workplace Presentation >
3.27.2020
Small Business As Usual Podcasts from the Community Economic Development Fund >
Sample Work from Home Report >
Video Conferencing Resources from Steve Porcaro (Steve@SalesPlusMVP), Sales Plus MVP >
Implications of Coronavirus on Legal Contracts You May Have >
HB 6201 Families First Coronavirus Response Act >
First Families Coronavirus Response Act-What Employers Need to Know >
SCORE webinars and free mentoring for small businesses impacted by coronavirus >
CT’s Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) virtual classes and counseling for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 >
TOP LINKS FROM THE STATE OF CT:
Visit Congressman Courtney’s COVID-19 Resource Page >
Call with Governor Summary – More Assistance Coming, including bridge loans >
3.20.2020
Update on Coronavirus Response Efforts >
3.19.2020
New Special Enrollment Period for Access Health CT >
State of Connecticut Business Resources >
SUMMARY – State of CT Response to the Pandemic >
Last Updated 3.16.2020
TOP LINKS FROM THE CT SBDC:
CT’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) resources for small businesses impacted by coronavirus >
TOP INFO ON CT TAX FILINGS:
The CT Department of Revenue Services (DRS) extension of filing deadlines for certain business tax returns for 30 days >
CT to Extend Tax Filing Deadlines for Businesses >
H&R Block franchise offices in North Windham, Willimantic, and Coventry are reaching out to help our communities during this unprecedented time of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 virus. Because of the closures of local VITA and AARP-run tax preparation services, their offices are currently offering FREE drop off tax preparation of a federal and one state tax return to taxpayers who had their 2018 tax return prepared at a VITA or AARP location. This offer is good until March 31, 2020 at one of these three participating locations. Eligible taxpayers must provide a copy of their 2018 tax year return prepared by a VITA or AARP-run service, and must initiate a drop off prior to March 31, 2020 to qualify for this promotion.
Find WILI’s listing of local business hours or service changes on their website.
Perception Programs is providing telephone therapy immediately.
Please call 860-420-2450 to set up an appointment!
Available session from your phone
9:00am to 7:00pm
FEDERAL AGENCY RESOURCES
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO FIND THE LATEST FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION RELATING TO COVID-19
TOP LINKS FROM THE SBA:
SBA Webinar Audio & Video Recordings >
3.26.2020
Press Release – SBA Offers Disaster Relief to CT (English) >
Press Release – SBA Offers Disaster Relief to CT (Spanish) >
3.16.2020
SBA Coronavirus Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources >
The Small Business Administration Loans to Help Your Company Get Through the Coronavirus Pandemic >
SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loans for CT Businesses Impacted by coronavirus >
