Path Forward Webinars
The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented in our modern time - posing a set of significant challenges and causing prolonged disruption to our daily way of life. In response, the Chamber launched the Path Forward webinar series to connect members to the resources, information, and expert advice needed to sustain operations and rebound quickly.
Path Forward Email Update - April 1, 2020
Business Updates
- The State Small Business Credit Initiative Act (SSBCI) was amended to receive a $10 billion allocation to support small businesses affected by COVID-19, ensure business enterprises owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals have access to credit and investments, provide technical assistance to small businesses, and pay administration costs. $500 million is allocated separately for distribution among Tribal governments.
- The Restaurant Revitalization Fund provides a $28.6 billion relief package for operators of twenty or fewer restaurants. The relief will take the form of grants in amounts of up to $5 million per physical location, and a maximum of $10 million per eligible entity. The grants may be used to cover a wide range of expenses. For the initial 21-day period of this program, priority will be given to eligible entities owned and controlled by women, veterans, or socially and economically disadvantaged groups.
- The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program received an additional $1.25 billion to supplement the previous $15 billion available for grants to owners of struggling live venues, museums and related businesses. Businesses may now apply for both a PPP loan after Dec. 27, 2020, and a Shuttered Venue Operator Grant.
- The Paycheck Protection Program received an additional appropriation of $7.25 billion to further assist its goals. In addition, ARPA made changes pertaining to the forgiveness of certain covered loans.
Employer Updates
- ARPA Expanded Coverage for Paid Sick Leave allowing employees to take paid sick leave in order to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine or recover from the side effects. In addition, paid sick leave is now available to employees obtaining or waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test requested by an employer or following exposure.
- ARPA provides Additional Paid Sick Leave for employees who previously took sick leave. These employees are eligible for an additional 10 days of sick leave beginning April 1, 2021. Unused leave from prior to March 31, 2021 does not roll over.
- The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was previously expanded to be available only to those employees taking care of a child whose school or place of care was closed or unavailable due to COVID-19. ARPA further expands FMLA leave for any of the qualifying reasons listed in the FFCRA. Paid expanded FMLA is capped at 12 weeks. Employees are no longer subject to a waiting period.
- The Cap for Expanded FMLA has been increased from $10,000 to $12,000 due to the two additional weeks of paid leave. The daily limit of two-thirds on an employee’s wages- up to $200 per workday- remains the same.
- Employers are only eligible for the tax credit if they provide leave to all employees in a uniform manner, without discriminating against employees based on categories such as full-time employment or tenure.
Tax Considerations
Vaccine Strategy Information for Business | February 11, 2021 | Olmsted County Slides | Dunlap & Seeger Slides
New Federal Pandemic Relief | January 8, 2021 | Slides
Considerations for 2020 Q4 Planning | October 28, 2020 | Slides
New Grants Available for Small Business: Learn How to Apply for a Piece of the Pie | August 10, 2020 | Slides
Masking: Tips and Tools to Promote Public Health, Compliance, and Ensure Customer Safety | July 29,2020 | Slides
PPP - Breaking Down the Recent Legislation | June 10, 2020 | Slides
Guidance for Reopening Your Restaurants and Bars SAFELY | June 5, 2020 | Handout | Slides
PPP: Ensuring Compliance & Maximum Forgiveness | May 27, 2020 | Slides
Marketing Innovations - New Tools & Techniques | May 14, 2020
Deep Dive in Reopening Your Business Safely | May 12, 2020 | Slides
Small Business Continuity - Your Operational Checklist | May 7, 2020 | Slides
Workforce: Return and Reorganize | May 5, 2020 | Handouts | Slides
Liability Concerns for Reopening your Business | April 30, 2020 | Slides
5 Steps to Reopening Your Business Safely | April 28, 2020 | Handouts | Slides
Building Resiliency During this Uncertain Time | April 17, 2020
What We Can Do NOW for Ourselves and Each Other | April 9, 2020
What Should I be Doing Now for my Business and my Employees | April 3, 2020
Strategic COVID-related Planning for Business | March 27, 2020
SBA Emergency Injury Disaster Loans Update | March 25, 2020
Unemployment Insurance Update | March 18, 2020