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COVID-19 Business Information - ARCHIVES 2020-2021

The Southbury Office of Economic Development has put together a resource information page for local businesses to better understand the available assistance programs on the Town, State, and Federal level.

LOCAL BUSINESS HOTLINE: Call (203) 262-0683 or e-mail: EcoDevDirector@southbury-ct.gov to reach Economic Development Director, Kevin Bielmeier for questions or assistance.

Southbury COVID-19 Business Updates

View all the previous business updates.

Southbury COVID-19 Webinar Series

Replay recorded webinars and register for upcoming ones, at www.southbury-ct.org/EDCwebinars.

Guide to the ERTC

The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is designed to incentivize businesses to keep employees on their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read this GUIDE to see if your company is eligible, how you can get it and types of employees who can receive it.

SBA and Treasury Announce PPP Re-Opening; Issue New Guidance

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced today that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.

Read the SBA press release.

CT Business Recovery Grant

Summary:

  • $35 million in grants focused on 2,000 of Connecticut’s hardest hit businesses including restaurants and hospitality.
  • Grant sizes will range from $10,000 to $30,000.
  • No application process – Businesses which meet criteria will be sent a check directly from the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) in early January 2021.

For more information go to https://portal.ct.gov.

Small Business Update: PPP loans and Employee Retention Tax Credit

"So now, if you took out a PPP loan in 2020, you can take advantage of the ERTC in 2021 and may be able to apply part of it looking backward for 2020." — Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, updates business owners on details of the new stimulus bill.

Watch the recording & read key takeaways here: https://www.uschamber.com.

Reopen Southbury

  • Southbury’s Temporary Outdoor Retail Display Permit Process.
    The Town of Southbury has approved an easy, no-fee permit process for businesses seeking to have outdoor displays, in response to Connecticut’s Reopening protocol for COVID-19 per Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No 7MM.
    Similar to the town’s temporary outdoor dining process, applicants fill out a single-page form found on the town’s website with an attached site plan sketch (to scale) of proposed outdoor display of goods area, and a narrative detailing what goods will be displayed, hours of outdoor display, etc. and submit it to the land use department.
    The application process is managed by the Southbury Land Use Department and requires just two signatures, the Fire Marshall and Land Use Administrator/ZEO. The permit is good until November 25, 2020. For more information call 203-262-0634 or e-mail: landuseadmin@southbury-ct.gov.
  • Southbury’s Temporary Outdoor Dining Fast-track Permit Process.
    The Town of Southbury has approved a simple, no-fee fast-track process for food service establishments who seek to offer outside dining, or to expand their existing outside dining, in response to Connecticut’s Reopening protocol for COVID-19 per Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No 7MM.
    Applicants fill out a one-page form, found on the town’s website www.southbury-ct.org/zoning, with an attached site plan sketch (to scale) and a narrative detailing the number of table/chairs; hours of operation; waste management plan, etc. and submit it to the land use department. Further requirements are detailed on the no-fee application.
    The application process is managed by the Southbury Land Use Department and requires just two signatures, the Fire Marshall and Land Use Administrator/ZEO. The permit is good until November 25, 2020. For more information call 203-262-0634 or e-mail: landuseadmin@southbury-ct.gov.
  • Local providers of PPE and IR thermometers include:
    • Scott Wolfman
      Global Sales Manager
      United Medical Masks
      www.unitedmedicalmasks.com
      203-981-7216
    • On The Mend Southbury
      385 Main St S #102, Southbury, CT 06488
      203-262-0383
      www.OnTheMendMedical.com
    • Reliant Pharmacy
      200 Main Street S. Southbury, CT 06488
      203.262.8000
      IR thermometers, mask, hand sanitizer

Connecticut Reopening Resources

Financial Resources

Business Updates

  • 8-12-2020; 1pm-2pm “Covid-Era Legal Landmines for Small Business Owners – Stuart Katz, Principal, Cohen & Wolf. Free, but registration required: https://www.cedf.com/training/2020/08/12/covid-era-legal-landmines-for-small-business-owners/
  • 8-6-2020; 10am-11am “Easy Steps to Get Started with Email Marketing” – Samantha Williams, Founder, Sam’s Word. Free, but registration required: https://www.cedf.com/training/2020/08/06/easy-steps-to-get-started-with-email-marketing/
  • REPLAY: “Farms Under Threat: The State of the State” - Covid-19 has illuminated how essential agriculture is to upholding resilient food systems and community health and well-being. Panelists: Julia Freedgood, Mitch Hunter and Jennifer Dempsey of the American Farmland Trust. http://smartgrowth.org/farms-under-threat-the-state-of-the-states/
  • REPLAY: Paycheck Protection Program Forgiveness by CT Small Business Development Center: https://youtu.be/1eleoP5j4h0.
  • 5-26-2020 Governor's Press Briefing. VIDEO REPLAY.
  • 5-21-2020 Governor's Press Briefing. VIDEO REPLAY.
  • 5-20-2020 Governor's Press Briefing and Final presentation by Reopen CT Advisory Group, Announcing Phase 2 (June 20th) & Phase 3. VIDEO REPLAY.
  • COVID-19 training videos and career development for restaurant and hospitality workers Free Food Handler Offer Extended to May 31st www.servsafe.com.
  • 5-15-2020 “Legal Considerations for Reopening the Workplace” webinar. VIDEO REPLAY.
  • New Businesses Eligible for the Phase One May 20th Reopening must self-certify with the State and receive their ‘badge’ by going here: business.ct.gov/Recovery.
  • 5-15-2020 Governor's Press Briefing. VIDEO REPLAY.
  • State of CT Rules for Reopening May 20th. All businesses subject to these guidelines are required to self-certify prior to opening May 20th. Here are the downloadable guidelines by sector: GUIDELINES.
  • 5-14-2020 Governor's Press Briefing. VIDEO REPLAY.
  • 5-14-2020 Governor's Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group Business Roundtable. VIDEO REPLAY.
  • 5-13-2020 Reopen Southbury Webinar Series: “Returning to Work – Let’s Talk Labor”. VIDEO REPLAY .
  • 5-13-2020 Governor's Press Briefing - Includes a discussion on the reopening of restaurants for outdoor dining. VIDEO REPLAY .
  • 5-7-2020 Reopen Connecticut - Connecticut is preparing to reopen: gradually, incrementally, thoughtfully: "In the weeks ahead, Reopen Connecticut will roll out a plan to restart our economy — one backed by data, science and common sense.” www.reopen.ct.gov.
  • 5-6-2020 The Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program portal (EIDL) has reopened as a result of funding authorized by Congress through the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act. The legislation has provided additional funding for farmers and ranchers and certain other agricultural businesses affected by COVID-19.
    Agricultural businesses include businesses engaged in the legal production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries (as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)). Eligible agricultural businesses must have 500 or fewer employees. Applications can be completed on-line at: APPLICATION.
  • 5-4-2020 Governor Lamont Announces Statewide Launch of Free Online Job Training Program for Unemployment Claimants During COVID-19 Emergency, SkillUp CT Allows Jobseekers to Upgrade Skills From Their Own Homes Governor Ned Lamont has announced the statewide expansion of a program that will make free online learning licenses available to recipients of unemployment insurance, including those who have been impacted by the economic fallout of the COVID-19 public health crisis. The SkillUp CT program will significantly expand access to comprehensive online course work from a leading global provider for thousands of Connecticut residents. Originally launched in eastern Connecticut, a sustained rollout of the program across the state over the coming weeks will enable recently laid-off workers to upgrade their skills and earn industry-recognized certifications even while the doors to most brick-and mortar education and training providers remain closed. For the full release click: PRESS RELEASE. FREE ONLINE LEARNING .
  • 5-1-2020 Economic Development: Southbury Strong. ARTICLE.
  • 5-1-2020 VIDEO REPLAY: Governor Lamont press briefing. RECORDING.
  • 4-30-2020 VIDEO REPLAY: Governor Lamont press briefing. RECORDING.
  • 4-29-2020 Eight Things You Can Do Right Now to Keep Your Business Going. ARTICLE.
  • 4-29-2020 Governor Lamont announces New Benefit Program for Self-Employed Individuals will Begin by April 30th. PRESS RELEASE.
  • 4-28-2020 Governor Lamont Announces Labor Department Has Begun Issuing Supplemental $600 Stimulus Payments for State Unemployment Benefits. PRESS RELEASE.
  • 4-23-2020 WEBINAR REPLAY: Real Estate and the Future of Work following COVID-19 hosted by MetroHartford Alliance. Panelists: Recording of the Presentation HERE, Presentation Slides HERE.
  • 4-23-2020 VIDEO REPLAY of Danbury Chamber web call with Governor Ned Lamont, DECD Commissioner David Lehman. RECORDING.
  • 4-23-2020 VIDEO REPLAY: Governor Lamont press briefing. RECORDING.
  • 4-22-2020 WEBINAR REPLAY: Planning for Reopening - Best Practices from Businesses that Are open - Some good ideas are shared. RECORDING.
  • 4-21-2020 WEBINAR REPLAY: Ilana Preuss, founder and CEO of Recast City, led a discussion on concrete steps we can take to ensure inclusive access for small businesses. RECORDING.
  • 4-21-2020 New Funding Source - up to 10k for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 - Hello Alice: helloalice.com.
  • 4-20-2020 With the help of corporate and philanthropic funding, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has launched a “Save Small Business” initiative: www.savesmallbusiness.com. Not accepting new applications.
  • 4-20-2020 DATA from The Impact of COVID-19 on Small Businesses Survey by National Main Street Center is available HERE.
  • 4-20-2020 CT COVID-19 Business Survey #2. Advance CT partnered with CBIA and DECD to release the second iteration of its business survey to gather feedback directly from Connecticut businesses that will help inform how we restart our economy. Please take the time to complete this survey to assist state decision makers: Survey HERE.
  • 4-20-2020 VIDEO REPLAY: Governor Lamont press briefing. RECORDING.
  • 4-17-2020 VIDEO REPLAY: Adapt & Overcome: Best Practices from Businesses During COVID-19. Small businesses pivoting and adapting due to the rapidly changing business landscape share their ideas. With: Lelaneia Dubay of Hartford Flavor Company, Gina Luari of The Place 2 Be, Nicole Bengston of Root Down Power Yoga and Matt Rusconi of Artichoke Basil’s Pizza. RECORDING
  • 4-17-2020 VIDEO REPLAY: National Small Business Town Hall ~ INC magazine and US Chamber. RECORDING.
  • 4-17-2020 VIDEO REPLAY: Governor Lamont press briefing. RECORDING.
  • 4-16-2020 VIDEO REPLAY: Gov. Lamont with Reopen CT co-chairs Indra Nooyi and Dr. Albert Ko. RECORDING.
  • 4-14-2020 VIDEO REPLAY: Governor Lamont press briefing on Coronavirus. RECORDING.
  • 4-14-2020 Helping Connecticut Manufacturers Retool Operations to Meet Medical Supply Needs For more information go to: www.ctcovidresponse.org.
  • 4-13-2020 Webinar Replay: COVID-19 Business Resources with CT-SBDC. RECORDING.
  • 4-13-2020 Governor Lamont Press Release ~ Multi-State Council formed to Get People Back to Work and Restore the Economy [MA, CT, NY, NJ, RI, PA, and DE] Link: PRESS RELEASE.
  • 4-13-2020 Governor Lamont press briefing on Coronavirus. RECORDING.
  • 4-9-2020 Governor Lamont with DECD, Banking and Insurance Depts., and the SBA Teleconference on Covid-19 Relief Programs for Small Businesses. Click HERE.
  • 4-9-2020 HEDCO, Inc. has partnered with the State of Connecticut, the CT Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD) and the CT Minority Business Initiative to provide financial relief to minority-owned and women-owned small businesses negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. More information is HERE.
  • 4-8-2020 Webinar Business During & After Covid-19: A Webinar with David Salinas & Pete Sena of Digital Surgeons and District New Haven. RECORDING.
  • 4-7-2020 Webinar on "Accessing Stimulus Loans & Programs" with James Barger from KeyBank, Jeffrey Klaus from Webster Bank, and Brian Kerrigan from Whittlesey. Offered by: Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. Recording of the presentation here.
  • 4-6-2020 VIDEO – Q&A with Governor Lamont and DECD Commissioner David Lehman on COVID19.
  • 4-4-2020 Webinar by Economic Innovation Group on "Understanding the Paycheck Protection Program." Recording of the presentation here.
    Links to the PPP resources referenced in the webinar:
  • 4-3-2020 – Paycheck Protection Program Application: Apply for PPP.
  • 4-2-2020 Governor's Briefing: video recording from April 2nd.
  • 4-2-2020 Active List of SBA Lenders in CT (downloadable PDF).
  • 4-1-2020 U.S. Chamber of Commerce: NEW - Guide to SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
  • 4-1-2020 The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has provided new guidance on the Employee Retention Tax Credit. Taking advantage of this program means you cannot use the PPP incentive; it's just a matter of doing the math and seeing which one makes more sense for your organization: NEW - Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit.
  • 4-1-2020 U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Updated guide to the federal Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP).
  • 4-1-2020 WEBINAR for CT Employers to learn up to date information about the new emergency federal leave laws that take effect on April 1st, as well as other implications of the coronavirus on the employer-employee relationship. Presented on 3-31-20 by Stuart Katz, Cohen & Wolf, PC: Webinar Replay.
  • 4-1-2020 U.S. Department of the Treasury information on the Paycheck Protection Program, designed to assist businesses with payroll costs. Small businesses and sole proprietorships can begin applying for and receive these loans beginning April 3, 2020; independent contractors and self-employed individuals can begin April 10, 2020. For more information and FAQs on this program, please: Click here to visit the document developed by the Treasury Department.
  • 3/31/2020 Governor Ned Lamont has reached an agreement with over 50 credit unions and banks in Connecticut to offer mortgage relief to the state’s residents and businesses who continue to face hardship caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic: Mortgage Relief During COVID-19 Pandemic.
  • 3/31/2020 Eversource suspended disconnections, late fees and taken other steps to help customers in response to COVID-19: Eversource Measures to Lessen Financial Hardship for Customers.
  • 3/30/2020 Understanding the Federal Stimulus Program webinar recording with U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, CT-SBDC’s Joe Ercolano, and others: https://lnkd.in/eTjuxTb
  • Guide to the CARES Act (SBA): The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
  • New SBA Website Application for Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL): Website Application for EIDL.
    This Grant/Advance may be available even if your EIDL application was declined or is still pending, and will be forgiven.
    The SBA created a new streamlined application. In order to qualify for the Advance, you need to submit this new application even if you previously submitted an EIDL application. Applying for the Advance will not impact the status or slow your existing application.
    Even a business that will also apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) should apply. The amount of the grant will be subtracted from the amount forgiven under PPP.
    If the website moves too slow, try to apply during off hours.
  • 3/26/2020 - Governor Lamont Press Release on Emergency No Interest Loan Program
  • Overview of the Program and Application: CT Recovery Bridge Loan Program

Other Resources

  • EVERSOURCE, as part of their efforts to support small business customers, are helping to connect them with available financial resources and increasing awareness about the provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act. MORE INFORMATION.
  •  Unemployment Benefits: Workers directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic no longer must be actively searching for work. And employers who are furloughing workers can use the Department of Labor’s shared work program, which allows businesses to reduce working hours and have those wages supplemented with unemployment insurance. See: Informative PDF or visit filectui.com.

Taxes

TAX FILING DEADLINES

Federal Tax Filing extensions: The IRS has pushed back the tax filing deadline from April 15 to July 15, giving 2019 Taxpayers a three-month reprieve to pay the income taxes they owe up to $1 million in taxes. Corporate filers would get the same length of time to pay amounts due on up to $10 million in taxes owed. There is also guidance on high deductible health plan and costs related to COVID-19. Details are on the IRS' Website.

State Tax Filing extensions: The CT Department of Revenue Services has extended filing deadlines for certain annual state business tax returns. More on that here: DRS' Website.

COVID-19 Building Cleaning,

Should you have an employee that has a confirmed case of COVID19, the CDC recommends the following for Cleaning and Disinfection After Persons Suspected/Confirmed to Have COVID-19 Have Been in the Facility.

Restaurant Delivery and Curbside Pick-up Service Guidance

The Governor’s Executive Order No. 7D, requires restaurants, eating establishments, and bars that serve food to temporarily move to take-out and delivery services only. Some ideas:

  • Utilize your email marketing list to let your customers know you’re open;
  • If you do not already offer delivery service, sign-up for a third-party food delivery service: Grubhub, Ubereats, Doordash;
  • The ED Office has put together a LIST of RESTAURANTS that offer take away service. If you would like to be added to that list please email: EcoDevDirector@southbury-ct.gov.

Additional Links for Your Business

For more useful COVID-19 related information go to www.southbury-ct.org/coronavirus.

Business » COVID-19 Business Info Archives