COVID-19 Resources

Have a document or link to add to this page? Please send it to talana@terrelltexas.com.

Take the COVID-19 Business Impact Survey. This is a very important step on behalf of the Terrell Chamber of Commerce to understand how to represent business needs with local, state, and federal officials today and over the next few weeks.

State, County & Local Latest Actions

Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, extends social distancing measures through April 30; closes schools until May 4.

Kaufman County Issues Shelter In Place Order, effective 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, 3/25/2020 through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, 4/8/2020.

Terrell City Council passed Resolution 964, which extends the state of disaster for the City, adopts the Kaufman County Shelter-In-Place Order, gives the City Manager authority to make determinations on "essential businesses", and enforces daily purchasing quantity limits. You can read the resolution here. 

On March 27, the federal CARES Act was signed into law, providing over $2.2 trillion in federal stimulus spending to aid the U.S. economy. One of the most important aspects is the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Read the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's guide on CARES Act and PPP for Small Businesses.

Read Texas Hotel & Lodging Association's breakdown of the PPP.

How to Apply: these loans will be available the SBA-approved private lenders. Banks are still getting the program up and running so check with your local bank to see if they have the program in place. Banks that are already approved SBA lenders may be quicker to get the loan program in place.

SBA Texas' Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL) Loan Application

On 3/20/2020, Governor Abbott announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has now granted Texas’ Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance declaration, making loans available statewide to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Next Steps: Small businesses who believe they may be eligible for an SBA EIDL should visit the SBA’s website where they can directly apply for assistance. The online application is the fastest method to receive a decision about loan eligibility.

The SBA Houston District Office will host daily webinars between March 30 - April 3 to provide the latest information to help small businesses with their economic recovery from the effects of the Coronavirus. They will give information on how to apply and where you can get additional help with preparing and applying for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan. Sessions will allow for chat Q&A. Learn more and register for a webinar.

• Disaster Assistance: The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.
• Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program: The SBA will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). See the three-step loan process.
• Local Assistance: SBA works with a number of local partners to counsel, mentor, and train small businesses.
• SBA Dallas/Ft. Worth District Office
• Trinity Valley Small Business Development Center: a free, local resource for existing or start up small businesses.
• Federal Reserve: Commercial Paper Funding Facility to support the flow of credit to households and businesses
• Our banking and financial advisor members are ready to help business owners understand SBA funding and loan options.
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has information on how to protect yourself financially from the impact of Coronavirus.
• SBA Lender Match: Connects Small Business with Participating SBA-approved Lenders
• AssistHer Emergency Relief Grant: This grant is for woman-owned businesses and was created to help sustain your business while you are under economic hardship due to COVID-19. The funds can be used for technology upgrades or other items needed to change or adapt your business model. Operating expenses (excluding payment of sales tax, payroll, purchase of food for consumption, penalties and fees, and charitable donations).

Status of the stimulus bills:

• Phase 1 Package (HR 6074) has been signed into law
• Phase 2 Package (HR 6201) has been passed by both the House & Senate
• Phase 3 Package (HR 748): Federal Stimulus Bill: CARES Act
  • Passed House and became law on 3/27/2020.
• Ways and Means Republicans FAQ on Coronavirus Legislation
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce Summary of Congressional Action on Coronavirus Response

• COVID-19 Business Resource Page (Facebook): This members-only group is established to allow our Chamber businesses to easily access and share resources as we support one another through the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Terrell Area Take-Out & Delivery Options: Join this group to view the menus and take-out/delivery options provided my our Terrell area restaurants and caterers.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Texas Department of State Health Services
• City of Terrell

References:

• The Texas Workforce Commission has a banner at the top of their website that links to COVID-19 info for Employers and Job Seekers.
• OSHA: Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
• Harvard Business Review: What Are Companies' Legal Obligations Around Coronavirus?
• Texas Department of Insurance: visit their site for insurance-related questions on COVID-19.
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS):
  • COVID-19 General Info
  • IRS Payment Plan
  • IRS Payment Deadline Extended: Filing and Payment Deadline Extended to July 15 

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Combating Coronavirus
• U.S. Chamber Disaster Help Desk 

SCORE

• SCORE has chapters throughout Texas and provides in-person and virtual counseling and mentorship. They have also published resources and information to support small business, including: 

• • The COVID-19 Economic Impact: Will Business Interruption Insurance Help (& What Are My Other Options)?

• • How Small Businesses Can Prepare for the COVID-19

Print & Post:

• The President's Coronavirus Guidelines for America
• Workplace Tips for Employees

• Terrell Independent School District
• Poetry Community Christian School
• Southwestern Christian College
• Trinity Valley Community College

Other

• The Consumer Data Industry Association (CDIA) provided guidance to those directly or indirectly impacted.
• Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are an alternative source of finance for small businesses. For additional information, please visit with each organization: 
  • PeopleFund
  • LiftFund
  • BCL of Texas
  • Opportunity Finance Network: CDFI Locator Tool
• National Restaurant Association: Coronavirus Information and Resources
• National Retail Federation: Coronavirus Resources for Retailers
• NFIB: Small Business Resources in Response to Coronavirus
• Texas International Produce Association: COVID-19 Update

Communities & Individuals

Communities

• Resources Guide to COVID-19 for Government Leaders
• Office of the Governor COVID-19 Executive Orders
• Texas Department of State Health Services: COVD-19 Communication Tools

Families/Individuals: 

• Center for Disease and Control (CDC): COVID - 19 
• Meals for Kids
• TxSchools.gov: Meals for Students
• School Meal Finder (map)
• Help with Electric Bills
• TXU Energy Provides Customer Assistance During Coronavirus Pandemic
• AT&T - Stay Connected
• Suddenlink - Keeping You Connected
• Spectrum COVID-19 Update
• Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): Visit their website for resources available to  employers and job seekers impacted by the COVID-19.

• • Resources for Job Seekers 
    • If an individual’s employment has been affected by COVID-19 they may apply for benefits either online by using the Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) or by calling TWC at 800.939.6631 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. UBS can be accessed at any time. For additional information, visit TWC’s website.