Resources for COVID-19 National Emergency

The Chamber is working to keep our business community informed of the resources and tools available to them during the COVID-19 national emergency. In response to Governor Lamont’s executive order, the Chamber offices are closed at this time. All staff are available via email.

We would appreciate your feedback on how we can help you during this time. Click here to participate in our survey.

Please click the following links for information:

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SBA Launches “Community Navigator Pilot” Program Application

SBA Launches ‘Community Navigator Pilot’
Program Application

$100 million competitive grant program to strengthen outreach to businesses in underserved communities enacted through the American Rescue Plan

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that it is accepting applications for its new Community Navigator Pilot Program. This new initiative, established by the American Rescue Plan, will leverage a community navigator approach to reach our nation’s smallest businesses, with a priority focus on those owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, as well as women and veterans. SBA will accept applications through July 12, 2021, and anticipates making award decisions by August 2021. The Biden-Harris Administration has made delivering equitable relief to hard-hit small businesses a top priority and will continue to take steps to ensure equitable distribution of relief.

“The Community Navigator Pilot Program is a crucial addition to our SBA programs because it helps us to connect with small businesses that have historically been underserved or left behind. These businesses – the smallest of the small in rural and urban America, and those owned by women, people of color, or veterans – have suffered the greatest economic loss from this pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “We’ll be using a hub and spoke model in local regions across the nation to bridge the gap between local entrepreneurs and SBA’s resources and programs. If we’re going to build back better, we need to ensure that all entrepreneurs have the support they need to recover.”

In February 2021, Congress met to provide a blueprint on assistance to small businesses with provisions under the American Rescue Plan. Members of Congress met with constituents to discover at local levels the impact of the pandemic and the effect it is having on businesses that may have been left out in early rounds of relief.

“I’ve spoken to small businesses in every corner of Arizona. Far too many of them, especially tribal and minority-owned businesses and those in rural communities, have been unable to get the support they need,” said Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona. It’s why I fought to include the Community Navigator Program in the American Rescue Plan because it will help meet Arizona small businesses right in their communities, including providing assistance for Spanish-speakers, and get them the relief they need to keep their doors open and workers on payroll.”

“As someone proudly representing one of the most diverse congressional districts in the country, I am glad the Community Navigator Pilot Program will soon be launching,” said Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux of Georgia. “We have already seen the difficulties diverse communities face in accessing critically-needed relief resources, from securing PPP funds to rental relief. Through targeted outreach to small businesses in underserved communities, we can ensure that everyone is able to take advantage of the resources offered by the American Rescue Plan.”

The Community Navigator Notice of Funding Opportunity will be open to applications from nonprofit organizations, state, local, and tribal governments, SBA resource partners, and other organizations.  Selected partners will engage in targeted outreach for small businesses in underserved communities to help small businesses get the resources and support they need to get back on track as the economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our small business owners—especially those owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, people of color, women, veterans, and Native Americans—they need us the most, and they need us now,” said  SBA Associate Administrator for the Office for Entrepreneurial Development Mark Madrid. “This initiative underscores our Agency’s commitment to connecting distressed small business resources with SBA resources and grant funding.”

“The SBA understands the importance of partnering with organizations as well as smaller, local institutions that are already embedded in the fabric of the Main Street business communities they serve,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Women’s Business Ownership Natalie Madeira Cofield. “Community Navigators are the backbone of aiding underserved and underrepresented communities across the nation with recovery.”

Making a Difference in Underserved Small Business Communities.  Key in this initiative are partners and people in the community, serving as a two-way information stream, enabling enterprising business owners to receive the help needed from the SBA. Serving as the foundation of America’s economy, these underserved businesses have areas of concern that need to be addressed. Community Navigator Pilot will provide counseling, networking, and the assistance needed during this time of economic recovery.

Competitive grant awards will range from $1 million to $5 million for a two-year performance period. Applicants have until July 12, 2021, to submit their applications at grants.gov. Performance periods are projected to commence in September 2021. Those eligible to apply must meet and demonstrate abilities to support the requirements of this funding opportunity.

For more information on the Community Navigators Initiative, please visit www.sba.gov/navigators.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.


June 3, 2021


SBA Administrator Issues Statement on the Closure of Paycheck Protection Program

SBA Administrator Issues Statement
on the Closure of Paycheck Protection Program

PPP has provided nearly $800 billion to small businesses and nonprofits across the nation, fueling the economy by supporting over 8.5 million small businesses and nonprofits

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Small Business Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman issued the following statement on the closure of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to new loan guaranty applications, which has provided over $798 billon in economic relief to small businesses and nonprofits across the nation, keeping employees employed and helping businesses come back stronger than ever.

“The Paycheck Protection Program provided over 8.5 million small businesses and nonprofits the lifeline they needed to survive during a once-in-generation economic crisis. I’ve heard story after story from small business owners across the country about how PPP funds helped them keep the lights on, pay their employees — and gave them hope,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “At the same time, millions of underserved businesses – particularly our smallest businesses and those owned by women and people of color – were left out of early rounds of relief. I’m proud of the work we did to begin to rectify these inequities — in 2021, 96% of PPP loans went to small businesses with fewer than 20 employees.  Moving forward, we will continue to prioritize equity in all SBA’s programs and services.”

The Paycheck Protection Program, among the first COVID-19 economic disaster relief programs to provide emergency funds to small businesses affected by the pandemic, has played a historic role in America’s recovery. The Biden-Harris Administration has pushed an effective and equitable implementation of this program, with a focus on ensuring small businesses receive the backing they need to stay afloat and continue to employ millions of Americans. The program has supported the smallest of small businesses with 32 percent of the loans going to Low-and-Moderate Income (LMI) communities.  Additionally, Community Financial Institutions (CFIs) played a pivotal role in 2021 PPP lending to underserved communities during this period, providing 1.5 million loans totaling $30 billion. PPP loans in 2021 averaged $42,000, another indicator of targeted relief to the smallest small businesses.

The PPP is only one of eight disaster relief programs established by Congress to assist small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Other programs include Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), EIDL Advance, Targeted EIDL Advance, Supplemental EIDL Advance, Restaurant Revitalization Fund, Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, and SBA Debt Relief program. To learn more about these programs, please visit www.sba.gov/relief.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov


June 3, 2021


Educational Vaccine Resources from Nuvance Health

For the latest vaccines information in Connecticut and New York (in English, Portuguese and Spanish), visit nuvancehealth.org/coronavirus/vaccine.

Summary

  1. Nuvance Health experts and community partners launch video series about vaccines
  2. Nuvance Health hosts fourth Facebook Live Q&A in series
  3. Nuvance Health launches Spanish-language Facebook page

 
1) Nuvance Health experts and community partners launch video series about vaccines

Thank you, Nuvance Health experts and community partners for participating in Q&As about COVID-19 vaccines. They dispel myths and answer questions about vaccines in the following videos.

Q&A featuring Dr. Brenda Ayers, Dr. Lee Isabell and Michelle James, Executive Director, Community Action Agency of Western CT:

  1. https://youtu.be/6pj6AbPLvY4
  2. https://youtu.be/6ARqO22HL2U

 

Q&A in Portuguese featuring Fabiana Bras, RN:

  1. https://youtu.be/p0q3PXSEy8Q
  2. https://youtu.be/7XKdWE9p2eE

 

Q&A in Spanish featuring Dr. Aparna Oltikar and Angel Tejeda, MBA, Network Administrative Director, Facilities

  1. https://youtu.be/5lpcw5F8pm4
  2. https://youtu.be/ZV5NeP8BZNo

 

3) Nuvance Health hosts fourth Facebook Live Q&A in series

  • Dr. Valerie Cluzet addressed who should get vaccines (already had COVID-19, immunocompromised, pregnant, etc.) in the latest Nuvance Health COVID-19 Vaccines Q&A. Watch and share: https://youtu.be/4zEY1OmepiU
  • On April 14, Dr. Brenda Ayers will address reactions to vaccines and how to tell the difference between reactions and side effects.
  • Visit Nuvance Health on Facebook to submit your questions before the Wednesday Q&As.

 

4) Nuvance Health launches Spanish-language page

As our communities continue to grow and become more diverse, it is incumbent upon us to expand our outreach to our sizable Hispanic/Latinx communities through education, engagement, information and activities.

  • The Nuvance Health en Español Facebook page — https://www.facebook.com/nuvancehealthenespanol — will host the latest information on our health care system, programs, services and practices, wellness tips, patient stories and much more. Please give our page a follow and share with friends and family.

 


April 9, 2021


Connecticut CARES Small Business Grant Program

The state has created the Connecticut CARES Small Business Grant Program to help small businesses and nonprofits that continue to be negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Small businesses and nonprofits in Connecticut with a 2019 payroll of less than $1.5 million OR 20 or fewer employees can apply for a one-time grant of $5,000. DECD will administer the program and online applications are estimated to begin the week of November 9. All funding will be disbursed by the end of the year.

Per Governor Lamont’s direction, half of the funds will be allocated to small businesses and nonprofits located in towns and cities that have been designated as distressed municipalities. The program is funded from Connecticut’s portion of the federal CARES Act.

DECD will also host webinars and online discussions in the coming weeks to assist businesses and nonprofits with the application process.
Additional information, along with eligibility requirements, can be found here.


October 21, 2020


Nuvance Health – Sharon Hospital updates visitation policy

Sharon Hospital welcomes back more visitors

Sharon, Conn. — June 23, 2020 — Sharon Hospital, part of Nuvance Health, has updated its visitation policy to bring back more visitors. The hospital can expand visitation following safety guidelines because the campus and the region are observing a decrease in the rate of new COVID-19 infections.

“Restrictions will be lifted in a phased approach over the next several weeks to ensure high levels of safety and security for staff, patients and the community,” said hospital president Dr. Mark Hirko.

Allowable visitors:

Effective Wednesday, June 24, the hospital will begin the first phase of visitation: One visitor per surgical patient is permitted in the outpatient surgical and procedural areas of the hospital at time of discharge.

People age 18 and older are allowed to visit if they meet specific requirements.

Requirements for approved visitation include:

  • A visitor may drop off a patient at the hospital but must wait outdoors for the duration of their procedure.
  • A single visitor per patient is allowed inside the facility only upon discharge to receive post-care instructions from their physician. This applies to the operating room, ambulatory care unit and interventional radiology.
  • Visitors must arrive wearing a medical face mask. Masks with a valve, or a bandana, scarf, or any other type of face covering are not permitted.
  • Visitors must pass screening for COVID-19 risk factors.
  • Visitors need to show a government-issued photo ID (examples: driver’s license, passport) to check-in. Their visit will be recorded for contact tracing purposes if necessary.
  • The duration of a daily visit is limited to two hours.

Exceptions apply for patients under age 21, maternity patients, and for those with extenuating circumstances.

Entrance and Visitation Hours
Monday through Friday, the Main Lobby is open from 5:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Patients can enter the hospital through the emergency department after 4:30 p.m.

Visitation hours are 5:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visiting times for outpatient surgical and procedural areas may vary based on procedure scheduling.

No Visitation:

Sharon Hospital’s top priority is the health and safety of all patients, staff and visitors. That’s why no visitors are permitted for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 who are receiving high flow oxygen, are on Bi-PAP or CPAP, or are unable to tolerate wearing a mask. No visitors are allowed for non-medical purposes such as going to the cafeteria.

“Over the next few weeks, we will be phasing in visitation to inpatient care areas and the emergency department,” Hirko said.

Nuvance Health will continue to reevaluate the visitation policy as conditions evolve. Please visit nuvancehealth.org/coronavirus for the latest updates about COVID-19, or find Sharon Hospital on social media @SharonHospital.

CONTACT

Marina Ballantine, Associate, Public and Community Affairs

(845) 554-1734 | Marina.Ballantine@nuvancehealth.org


June 23, 2020


Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness

The updated U.S. Chamber Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness.  This guide reflects recent substantive changes made by Congress and the administration to the PPP program to provide borrowers with more flexibility.  These changes include:

  • Extending the time to spend PPP funds from 8 weeks to 24 weeks;
  • Lowering the amount that must be spent on payroll from 75% to 60%;
  • Extending the deadline to restore FTEs and payroll from June 30, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020; and
  • Setting the repayment term for loans made after June 4, 2020 at five years.

The U.S. Chamber’s updated Guide to PPP Forgiveness reflects all of these changes, as well as others made in recent guidance issued by the Department of the Treasury.  It is designed to help your members more easily understand the forgiveness application process.  However, note that while this guide reflects all of the most recent changes, it is possible that further changes could be made.  Therefore, we will continue to update this guide as needed.


June 16, 2020


Governor Lamont Announced an Update on Phase 2 of Re-opening

Governor Lamont announced today, June 5, that he has moved up his Phase 2 reopening plans by three days, giving restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, hotels and other businesses a midweek start on Wednesday, June 17.

Additional safety guidance for businesses that fall under Phase 2 will be released in the next couple of days.

Phase 2 openings include:

  • Accommodation (no bar areas)
  • Gyms, fitness & sports clubs
  • All personal services (nail salons, tattoo parlors)
  • Outdoor arts, entertainment, and events (up to 50 people)
  • Outdoor amusement parks
  • Movie theaters
  • Bowling alleys
  • Social clubs, pools
  • All museums, zoos, aquariums
  • Restaurants (indoor dining at 50% capacity, no bar)

For more information, click here

PPP Updates

The Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act (PPPFA) has been voted into effect by the Senate.

This act is designed to ease Paycheck Protection Program loan terms and to provide business owners with more time to use PPP funds.

Changes to the program include:

  • Reduction in the amount of the loan needed to be spent on payroll from 75% to 60%, thus increasing the amount of funds available for other expenses from 25% to 40%
  • Extended time period to use funds from 8 to 24 weeks
  • A deadline extension from June 30 to December 31 for rehiring of workers
  • An ease in rehiring requirements
  • Extension of repayment term from 2 years to 5 years
  • Option to defer 50% of your portion of payroll taxes until 2021 with the remaining 50% until 2022

For more information on the Paycheck Protection Program, click here


June 5, 2020


Department of Economic and Community Development – Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act

The U.S. Congress just passed a bipartisan bill called the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act that makes several important changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

The new law eases some of the program’s restrictions, giving small businesses more time to use their loans and letting borrowers spend more of their loans on non-payroll expenses.

Key changes to the PPP include:

·        Extends the period to use PPP funds from 8 weeks to 24 weeks

·        Reduces the minimum payroll spend to 60% (from 75%)

·        Borrowers can now use the 24-week period to fully restore their workforce levels and wages (December 31 instead of June 30)

·        Businesses now have five years to repay the loan, instead of two

The new legislation also includes a number of updates and exceptions related to loan forgiveness, the rehiring of employees, and the payment of payroll taxes. We encourage businesses to read the new legislation and work with a financial professional to ensure they fully understand the updated requirements.

While demand for PPP loans has slowed, funding remains available. More information can be found on the SBA website, including a tool to find lenders that are still issuing PPP loans.

Sincerely,
David Lehman, Commissioner
david.lehman@ct.gov, (860) 500-2310


June 5, 2020


Important Information on Re-opening!

Self-Certify your Business to Re-open
Businesses must self-certify and commit to comply with the Sector Rules established to keep their employees and customers safe. Once complete, you will be provided with signage and a badge that you can voluntarily post at your place of business or website.

Click Here for More Information

Sector Rules and Certification for May 20th Re-open

Use the link below to view and download rules and regulations on the following sectors:

  • Hair Salons & Barbershops
  • Museums and Zoos (Outdoor Only)
  • Offices
  • Restaurants (Outdoor Only)
  • Retail & Malls

Click Here

CT Business Reopening and Recovery Center

This guide is your one-stop resource to help your business prepare, rebuild, and grow during the State’s emergency Coronavirus response. Information available includes Top Business Resources, Recent Developments, and Popular Links.

Click Here


May 15, 2020