U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The U.S. Chamber has released a comprehensive resource kit for businesses. 

The U.S. Chamber is working closely with the White House, U.S. government agencies, and foreign government officials to inform and equip businesses with the most important and up-to-date information to ensure we are all adequately prepared to protect Americans at home and abroad.

All employers should be ready to implement strategies to protect their workforce from the Coronavirus while ensuring continuity of operations. Download these guides created by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which are based on information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to learn more about how employers and employees can prepare for and address the impacts of the Coronavirus.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Workplace Tips for Employees
• Guidance For Employers To Plan and Respond To Coronavirus

Please find below a list of all of our most recent guides to the aid and programs being made available to assist businesses during the ongoing pandemic, including our newest guide to the paid sick and FMLA programs.

• Guide to Coronavirus Paid Leave Programs
• Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist
• Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program Guide
• Employee Retention Tax Credit Guide
• Coronavirus Small Business Guide
• Coronavirus Response Toolkit
• Main Street Lending Program Guide
• State-by-State Business Reopening Guidance
• Backgrounder on Health Coverage Options
• Backgrounder on Unemployment Insurance Under the CARES Act
• Independent Contractor’s Guide to CARES Act Relief
• Temporary Paid Leave and Family Medical Leave Guide

U.S. Chamber Letter Urging Congress to Replenish Funding for the PPP and EIDL Program

The U.S. Chamber sent a letter to Capitol Hill urging members of Congress to swiftly increase funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in addition to renewing funding for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.

Sustaining Businesses and Nonprofits

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) — use the Lender Match tool to find lender where can apply. Entities can obtain zero-fee loans up to $10 million running from February 15, 2020 through June 30, 2020. Up to 8 weeks of average payroll will be forgiven if the business retains its employees and their salary levels.

Emergency Economic Injury Grant — use the Economic Injury Disaster Loan application. It includes $10 billion to provide an advance of up to $10,000 for businesses and nonprofits that apply through SBA within 3 days.

Small Business Debt Relief Program — use the Economic Injury Disaster Loan application. Once an entity applies for EIDL, the SBA has three weeks to respond. EIDLs are loans up to $2 million with interest rates of 3.75% for businesses and 2.75% for nonprofits. If an entity receives the loan January 31 to June 30,  2020, it can apply for a PPP loan or refinance for PPP.

U.S. Department of Treasury Releases Information on Paycheck Protection Program 

The U.S. Department of Treasury shared new information regarding the Paycheck Protection Program. The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. Please review the resources provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury below and visit their webpage for additional information.

• A top-line overview of the program can be found here.
• If you’re a lender, more information can be found here.
• If you’re a borrower, more information can be found here.

The application for borrowers can be found here.

Coronavirus Loan Guide to Help Small Businesses

As we shared last week, the U.S. Chamber has created a guide to help small businesses, independent contractors, gig economy workers and other qualifying individuals prepare to file for a coronavirus relief loan under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Our hope is that this guide will prove to be a valuable resource for you and your members as you begin to take the necessary steps towards accessing the fund to keep workers on the payroll during this disruptive period.

NEW: The U.S. Chamber’s Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist is now available for download in Spanish by visiting here.

In addition to the guide, we’ve compiled an interactive map to show the aid available on a state-by-state basis. To view the interactive map, please click here.

Additional Resources to Help Small Businesses Navigate the Coronavirus Pandemic

In addition to the information shared by the U.S. Small Business Administration, we encourage you and your members to utilize and share those created by CO—, the U.S. Chamber’s own interactive digital platform designed specifically for business owners and offering unparalleled assets and subject matter expertise from the U.S. Chamber.

CO—has created a Coronavirus Small Business Guide to help you navigate the pandemic with new stories daily—including a detailed breakdown of federal stimulus aid programs, information about managing financial difficulties, keeping your team engaged, supporting and retaining your customers, and more.