COVID-19: Business Toolkit
GNACC is closely tracking the impact of the Coronavirus for our businesses and our community. Below are resources for advice on how your business and family can plan for and respond to the virus. We will update this page as information becomes available. With the U.S. now reporting a number of COVID-19 cases, it’s important that businesses of all sizes and sectors continue to monitor the situation and are as prepared as possible to protect the health of their workers.
As the State of Connecticut begins reopening, one of the first questions asked is, “Where can I find funding”? Perhaps your need is a piece of equipment, inventory, renovation costs, or you haven’t yet applied for the Payroll Protection Program and you want to learn more about it.
Following is a list of resources (Small Business Reopening Resource Guide) that can help guide you, funders who work with small businesses, websites that are especially informative, and other relief programs that could help you. We hope you find this helpful and wish you much success as you take the courageous steps to reopen. The state, its agencies and its partners are here to support you! DECD Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
Overview Reopening with Care Reopening recommendations and guidelines
The way we live and work is changing, and some of the new ways that we interact with each other will become routine. At the same time, many of our pre-COVID-19 work habits will be reinforced and will continue to shape how we do business.
The level of uncertainty in the economy is at an all-time high and the recovery is difficult to predict. Although there has been no single policy or proposed response, individual businesses, states, and regions have been taking steps to help their citizens and businesses through this trying period. We're here to help, and have pulled together some information across the board to assist with a variety of questions you'll have when you're ready to reopen for business.
Following is a list of resources (Small Business Reopening Resource Guide) that can help guide you, funders who work with small businesses, websites that are especially informative, and other relief programs that could help you. We hope you find this helpful and wish you much success as you take the courageous steps to reopen. The state, its agencies and its partners are here to support you! DECD Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
Overview Reopening with Care Reopening recommendations and guidelines
The way we live and work is changing, and some of the new ways that we interact with each other will become routine. At the same time, many of our pre-COVID-19 work habits will be reinforced and will continue to shape how we do business.
The level of uncertainty in the economy is at an all-time high and the recovery is difficult to predict. Although there has been no single policy or proposed response, individual businesses, states, and regions have been taking steps to help their citizens and businesses through this trying period. We're here to help, and have pulled together some information across the board to assist with a variety of questions you'll have when you're ready to reopen for business.
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FINANCIAL NEEDS
Where To Start If You Have Questions or Need Help As the State of Connecticut begins reopening, one of the first questions asked is, “Where can I find funding”? Perhaps your need is a piece of equipment, inventory, renovation costs, or you haven’t yet applied for the Payroll Protection Program and you want to learn more about it. Following is a list of resources that can help guide you, funders who work with small businesses, websites that are especially informative, and other relief programs that could help you. We hope you find this helpful and wish you much success as you take the courageous steps to reopen. The state, its agencies and its partners are here to support you! Public Assistance During COVID19 Pandemic Update 4/27/2020 Company or Agency Service Type Coverage Contact Information CT Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Business Response Team. Statewide Visit Website Call: (860) 500-2333 DECD Portal for information for veteran-owned businesses. Statewide Visit Website CT Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) No cost business counseling, including business planning, marketing and finding capital. Register for assistance online by clicking on the yellow "COVID-19 Business Advising” button at top of page to register. Spanish-speaking support available. Statewide Visit Website Call: (877) 723-2828 Women's Business Development Council: No cost training and counseling, financial education and support finding capital. Emphasis on women-owned businesses. Statewide Visit Website Call: (203) 751-9550 Women’s Business Center at University of Hartford Assistance to women starting and growing a small business. Statewide Visit Website Call: (860) 768-5681www.hartford.edu/academics/schools-colleges/barney/about/centers-and-institutes/entrepreneurial-center/ SCORE Certified volunteer business mentors offering support and business coaching. Contact the office nearest you for non-English speaking support. Statewide Find a SCORE mentor Find a SCORE location Minority Construction Council, Inc.: Business counseling for minority-owned construction contractors. Statewide Visit Website Call: (860) 882-0675 HEDCO Business counseling and technical assistance. Statewide Visit Website Call: (860) 527-1301 Spanish American Merchants Association (SAMA) Business counseling, with a focus on Latino-owned small businesses. Spanish-speaking support available. Statewide Visit Website Contact Arts & Entertainment:
SBA and Treasury Release Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application Friday, May 15th: The Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application. CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION
Recommended sources of authoritative, up-to-date advisories include: CBIA, SHRM, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, Connecticut Department of Public Health, OSHA, Ready.gov, and local public health authorities.
CBIA: AN EMPLOYERS GUIDE Additional Business Resources:
The State of Connecticut is continuing to take major steps to protect our businesses and residents during the coronavirus crisis. Here are some updates:
Educational Resources By Grade
Services Available & Volunteer Opportunities The American Red Cross has expressed an urgent need for blood due to Coronavirus Outbreak. Learn more about coronavirus and blood donation. Connecticut's COVID-19 Response
In light of the current health emergency, AdvanceCT wants to help businesses across the state. Please provide your feedback, and if you want to help other businesses in need, please add your contact information at the end of the survey so that we can contact you. Meals for School Children
Groton Public Schools’ Student Nutrition Program New London Public Schools’ Child Nutrition Program Norwich Public Schools Food Service 
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CT Main Street Center is providing knowledge & tools to help our Main Streets survive the devastating effects of COVID-19 and return stronger than ever. To that end, they have developed a FY21 educational programming around the theme of Recovery & Resiliency. Small Business Resource Library
NAVIGATING A NEW REALITY — TOGETHER "Taking a look ahead at “new reality” possibilities and working to compile potential reopening strategies, ideas, hints and tips for businesses, business districts and organizations as we enter the COVID-19 recovery phase." ReOpen Main Street Small Business Reopening Resource Guide
Phase 1 of Connecticut's Reopen Plan began on May 20, 2020. Here are the sector rules that apply to businesses in this phase. Phase 2 of Connecticut's Reopen Plan began on June 17, 2020. Here are the sector rules that apply to businesses in this phase. Phase 3 of Connecticut's Reopen Plan will begin on October 8, 2020. Here are the rules that apply in this phase. When Phase 3 begins on Oct 8, 2020, the rules for gatherings will be:
Downloadable PDF Guidelines by Sector Phase 2 Reopen Rules by Sector (for June 17 opening)
Explore support for
Phase 1 Reopen Rules by Sector (Click here to review outdoor recreation activities) General Business Rules As of May 19, 2020, general business rules shall only apply to Outdoor Recreation activities, as defined below. Downloadable Guidelines by Sector
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on PPP Loan Forgiveness Printable PDF Aug 4, 2020
The CARES Act Provides Assistance to Small Businesses The Paycheck Protection Program is providing small businesses with the resources they need to maintain their payroll, hire back employees who may have been laid off, and cover applicable overhead. Great resources for Businesses and Workplaces: Plan, Prepare, and Respond provided by the CDC. EMPLOYEE TRAINING & SUPPORT
Who should get training? What employees should be trained for? Where to go for more information? Physical Layout: visual examples of some simple representational layout changes that could dramatically impact the safety of your employee population. Suppliers: DECD has compiled a downloadable list of suppliers (both in-state and beyond) to assist business owners with obtaining cleaning supplies, PPE equipment, plexiglass barrier materials and more. Center for Disease Control & Prevention
#COVID19 UPDATE: #CARESAct,
▶️ Apply now: http://sba.gov/disaster assistance ▶️ Learn more: http://sba.gov/coronavirus | Guidance & Loan Resources ▶️ Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist ▶️ Flow Chart detailing the new SBA Programs ▶️ CARES Act Guide | U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship For additional questions: 📞Call: 1-800-659-2955 or (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) 📧 Email: DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov 
Uncas Health District.
If you have any questions, concerns, please contact the District at 860-823-1189.
CT NOFA Farm and Food Guide
LOCAL FOOD BANKS: https://www.uwsect.org/foodbank/food-distribution-sites Additional Business Resources: All employers should be implementing strategies to protect their workforce from the coronavirus while ensuring continuity of operations.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation | Guidance for Employers to Plan and Respond to the Coronavirus Strategies and tips to protect your workforce Shareable social graphics on how to keep families, schools, and businesses safe, and what to do if you get sick provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Volunteer & Donation Opportunities:
For a list of volunteer and donation needs, visit the Volunteer & Donation topic page. CLICK 2*1*1 Additional contact information to support your local businesses
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