Businesses – COVID-19 Issues
Last updated March 27, 2020
General COVID-19 Information for Businesses
Small Business Resource – Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development has compiled helpful information for employers, employees and all Californians as it relates to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
COVID-19 Updates for Businesses- San Diego Workforce Partnership
This link from the San Diego Workforce Partnership provides information to business that have been forced to lay off workers, access to capital, consulting services, avoiding layoff information, protecting workers from COVID-19, and disaster preparedness.
https://workforce.org/covid-19-bus/
Small Business COVID-19 Resources – San Diego North Economic Development Council
Better Business Bureau
The BBB released an article on customer relations, employee relations, and business relations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21714-business-tips-how-to-navigate-the-coronavirus-crisis
San Diego Employers Association
This organization has COVID-19 helpful links for employers that are regularly updated, including Coronavirus Frequently Asked HR Questions.
US Department of Labor (Wage and Hour Division)
Information for employers from the U.S. Department of Labor regarding the impact of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act on sick leave, family leave, wage and hour issues, and more.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic
National Conference of State Legislatures
General information from NCSL on the impact of COVID-19 on employment and labor, including licensing, sick leave, unemployment insurance and teleworking.
https://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/covid-19-impact-on-employment-and-labor.aspx
Loans and Other Financial Assistance
CARES Act:
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. Among other things, this Act provides funding for forgivable bridge loans, grants and technical assistance for businesses; establishes limits on the amount of paid leave that employers must provide; and postpones payment of payroll taxes. The link below provides a summary and full text of the Act:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/3548
Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Per their website “Small business owners in the [State of California] are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to Coronavirus.
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
Small Business Finance Center
Per their website “The SBFC helps businesses create and retain jobs, and encourages investment in low- to moderate-income communities. The SBFC has a Jump Start Loan Program, a Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, and a Farm Loan Program”.
SDG&E Helping Small Businesses
Per their website “SDG&E will also waive late payment fees for business customers whose finances have been hit hard by the coronavirus. The company does not charge residential customers a late payment fee”.
Forms and Technical Assistance
Online Tools for Small Businesses
The San Diego Regional EDC is offering online tools for small businesses having trouble dealing with COVID-19. Contact them now to get started.
Small Business Crisis Communication Help
This organization is offering free crisis communication help to small business and non-profits. Fill out their questionnaire to get started.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkwzv-q4kpbtr9E5av5W98U5FXaKmg8Mfj20spL1v1e4cU0Q/viewform
Sample Language and Templates for Employers – Coronavirus in the Workplace
The law firm Fisher Phillips has created some sample language and templates for employers dealing with issues related to Coronavirus in the workplace that they are making available for free on their website (including COVID-19 Talking Points for Managers, Model Announcement to Employees about Positive Test, Authorization to Disclose COVID-19 Diagnosis, and What You Should Know About Coronavirus and Your Employment)
What Businesses Can Do to Help
COVID-19 Community Response Fund
This is a place business can donate funds. “The San Diego Foundation, the San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund will receive donations and make emergency grants to nonprofit organizations that have deep roots and strong experience supporting impacted communities, particularly those that are disproportionately affected by this global pandemic and its economic consequences”.
City of San Diego Business Relief and Support
The City of San Diego has released an application for economic assistance for San Diego Businesses affected by COVID-19.
https://www.sandiego.gov/economic-development/resources/relief
US Department of Labor (Wage and Hour Division)
This website covers the First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Per their website “FFCRA will help the United States combat and defeat COVID-19 by giving all American businesses with fewer than 500 employees funds to provide employees with paid leave, either for the employee’s own health needs or to care for family members. The legislation will ensure that workers are not forced to choose between their paychecks and the public health measures needed to combat the virus while at the same time reimbursing businesses.”
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic
