Coronavirus affecting your business? Here are some reliable resources, and we can help

The state Department of Labor has produced a pdf answering your Frequently Asked Questions about the coronavirus for employers and employees. It includes information for employees on how to file for state unemployment insurance, including if you are forced to stay home because of the virus: http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/DOLCOVIDFAQ.PDF

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers guidance on its website for businesses and employers:
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
You can also apply for a Federal Disaster Loan here: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
Connecticut was officially declared a federal disaster area Monday afternoon. To be eligible for a loan, a business must have exhausted its other options for loans/credit. Up to $2 million per business is available, for use in making payroll or paying bills, etc. Terms are for up to 30 years at 3.75% for for-profit businesses, 2.75% for nonprofits. Please note, approval can take up to three weeks, assuming you provide all the financial information requested.

Also, here is Gov. Lamont’s latest update on the virus in Connecticut:
https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2020/03-2020/Governor-Lamont-Coronavirus-Update-March-16-2020-5PM

This is his Executive Order from Monday: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Office-of-the-Governor/Executive-Orders/Lamont-Executive-Orders/Executive-Order-No-7D.pdf?la=en
I hope this information is useful to you. As I said, I plan to call you today to follow up on this email. Honestly, I hope you’re too busy to talk to me (because that would be a good sign for your business). If not, we’ll chat for a couple of minutes; but if so, reply to this email with the information you want the Chamber to know about your business.

The Connecticut Restaurant Association offers “What You Need to Know” on its website: https://www.ctrestaurant.org/about-coronavirus.html

If you have questions or need help, please reach out to me and I will do what I can to assist you.

David Krechevsky, Director of Public Policy & Economic Development, Waterbury Regional Chamber
O: 203-757-0701
C: 203-430-0170
dkrechevsky@waterburychamber.com