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Coronavirus Business Recovery Resources & Info
COVID Previous Business Reopening Guidance Archive
PPE Resources
Financial Resources for Business Recovery
- Grants and Funding for Long Term Recovery
- Restaurant Revitalization Fund
- DoorDash Offers Grants to Connecticut Restaurants
- CT CARES Small Business Grant Program
- Main Street Lending Program for small and mid size businesses with loans from $250,000-$500,000
- The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) is accepting applications for its CARES Act Emergency Relief Grants. These grants are for Connecticut non-profit arts organizations that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds may be used for:
- Salary support, full or partial, for positions that are critical to an organization’s mission
- Fees for artists and/or contractual personnel to maintain or expand the period during which such persons would be engaged
- Facility / occupancy costs, such as rent and utilities
- Costs directly associated with an organization’s ability to continue operations now and in the future
Due to limited funds and anticipated high volume of applications, grantees will be randomly selected from the pool of eligible applicants with attention to geographic distribution.
- Public Utility Assistance:
- U.S. Chamber Grants for Small Business
- Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund Voucher Program (MVP): Connecticut manufacturers can apply for state grants of up to $75,000 to assist in the production of critical equipment and supplies needed to respond to the COVID-19 emergency. The grants, offered through the state’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund Voucher Program, can be used for working capital, new equipment, and other purposes that help companies build capacity or repurpose their operations. Funding for this short-term program is limited to $1.3 million and requires a one-to-one match from participating businesses.
- Zero interest loans for CT Minority and Women Owned Businesses: HEDCO, Inc. has partnered with the State of Connecticut, the CT Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD) and the CT Minority Business Initiative to provide financial relief to minority-owned and women-owned small businesses negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
- Mortgage Forbearance Assistance
- Small Business Debt Relief Program: This program will provide immediate relief to small businesses with non-disaster SBA loans, in particular 7(a), 504, and microloans. Under it, SBA will cover all loan payments on these SBA loans, including principal, interest, and fees, for six months. This relief will also be available to new borrowers who take out loans within six months of the CARES Act’s enactment.
- These grants provide an emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses and private non-profits harmed by COVID-19 within three days of applying for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). To access the advance, you must first apply for an EIDL and then request the advance. The advance does not need to be repaid under any circumstance, and may be used to keep employees on payroll, to pay for sick leave, meet increased production costs due to supply chain disruptions, or pay business obligations, including debts, rent and mortgage payments.
- Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan Program
- U.S. Small Business Assistance Disaster Loans: Businesses can now apply for loans of up to $2 million through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA also has valuable information for businesses. Here is a link to a webinar that explains how to apply for the SBA loan. There are also step by step instructions on completing the loan application. If your business needs assistance with SBA loans or any other DECD program, call the business hotline at 860-500-2333 or visit U.S. Small Business Assistance Disaster Loans.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to help small businesses stay open and provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.
- SBA will forgive portions of loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.
- The Paycheck Protection Program will be available April 3, through June 30, 2020.
- Visit the U.S. Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program for more information.
- Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Coronavirus Business Recovery
Free Technical Assistance Resources
- State of Connecticut, Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) - Business Recovery Hotline 1-860-500-2333
- The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is converting its entrepreneurial programs and business counseling to virtual classrooms via Zoom or on-demand webinars. You can find all the information you need on the website, SBA Small Business Disaster Relief Loan. Please contact us at info@ctwbdc.org
- Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC): The center has 14 Business Advisors available to assist with the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan application. Advisors provide no-cost, confidential assistance with forecasting loss, explaining impacting, reviewing statements, and discussing other loan and assistance options. CTSBDC continues to offer online training courses and assistance with business plans, marketing strategies, and market research. Visit CTSBDC’s COVID-19 Resource Center at https://ctsbdc.uconn.edu/covid-19-recovery-resources/
- SCORE (Senior Corp of Retired Executives): For over 50 years, SCORE has served as America’s premier source of free business mentoring and education. As a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs through mentoring, workshops and educational resources since 1964. They are providing mentoring to help navigate business recovery resources. Connect with SCORE at https://www.score.org/.
Employee Resources
- UniteCT - Rental and Utility Financial Assistance Program
- Rental Assistance: Connecticut Department of Housing UniteCT Program
- Connecticut Temporary Housing Assistance Initiatives (PDF)
- Where can I obtain working papers?
- Working papers are issued from Trumbull High School’s main office throughout the year. Due to security protocol, you must have an appointment. In order to be eligible for working papers, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be 16 years old and show proof of age, this proof must be shown on a legal document such as a birth certificate, driver’s license, or passport. (If you are 18 years old or older you do not need working papers.) For more information on ages and restrictions see the Connecticut Working Papers Manual https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/CTE/WBL/WP.pdf?la=en.
- You must have a “Promise of Employment” letter which is provided by your future employer on their letterhead, stating your name, what type of position (cashier, stock clerk, etc.), rate of pay and number of hours you will be working weekly.
- Email whaslam@trumbullps.org at Trumbull High School for more information on how to obtain your working papers and/or to schedule an appointment.
- Working papers are issued from Trumbull High School’s main office throughout the year. Due to security protocol, you must have an appointment. In order to be eligible for working papers, you must meet the following requirements:
- A Guide To Find Work During The Coronavirus Pandemic
- Tracking Coronavirus Unemployment in Connecticut
- How to Pay for Coronavirus Healthcare
- Your Rights If You Have to Miss Work Due to Coronavirus
- How Small Business Can Stay Afloat During Coronavirus
- Mortgage Forbearance Assistance
- Unemployment Insurance: Information on Filing for Unemployment Benefits If you become unemployed due to coronavirus (COVID-19), you should file for unemployment benefits. Click here for more information. For frequently asked questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) for workers and employers click here.
- Student Loan Relief: The bill defers payments, principal, and interest for all federally-owned student loans through September 30, 2020. Student borrowers will also continue to receive credit toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Driven Repayment forgiveness, and loan rehabilitation.
Starting in August, student loan borrowers will begin to receive notices to help inform them that their regular loan payments will resume at the end of September. These notices are intended to provide a transition period to help borrowers stay on track as regular loan payments begin again and to enroll in other relief options (such as income-driven repayment) at such time.
Please review https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus for more information.
Student Loan Debt Collection: The CARES Act suspends forced collections, which includes garnishment of wages, tax refunds, or other federal benefits, for borrowers that defaulted on their student loans. Negative credit reporting is also prohibited through this time period.
Federal Work-Study Support: CARES allows schools to make work-study payments available to students unable to work due to work-place closure.
Exclusion from Loan Limits: If a student dropped out as a result of COVID-19, it excludes the term from counting toward lifetime subsidized loan eligibility and lifetime Pell Grant eligibility.
Employer Educational Assistance: For this year, only employers can also contribute up to $5,250 towards an employee’s student loan debts tax-free. - The WorkPlace, Inc.- The American Job Center:
- Information for employers and jobseekers due to COVID-19.
- List of online services for employers.
- Rob Hebert heads up business services in the American Job Center.
Business News & Updates
- Permits, Inspections, and Land Use Applications Guidance- Effective 12/2/2020
- 2021-11-15 CT DECD Pandemic Recovery Business Survey (Archived)
- 2021-09-10 COVID-19 EIDL Policy Changes-Increased Loan Cap (Archived)
- 2021-08-13 SBA Launches Simplified PPP Loan Forgiveness Site (Archived)
- 2021-08-05 SBA Eases Regulations on 504 Refinance (Archived)
- 2021-08-04 EIDL Program Information and Application Link (Archived)
- 2021-06-03 PPP Forgiveness Webinar Series - Get Your Questions Answered (Archived)
- 2021-05-19 Restaurant Revitalization Fund Portal will close Monday, May 24th at 8pm (Archived)
- 2021-05-18 Update-May 19 Restrictions Lifted and New Back to Work Hiring Incentive (Archived)
- 2021-05-06 SBA Announces Official Restaurant Revitalization Fund Application and Guidelines (Archived)
- 2021-05-03 Restaurant Revitalization Fund Assistance, Summer Enrichment Funding, Export Week Events (Archived)
- 2021-04-27 May 3rd-Restaurant Revitalization Fund Opening / PPP, SVOG, EIDL & More... (Archived)
- 2021-04-26 Upcoming Webinars for Restaurant Revitalization Fund and Export Week (Archived)
- 2021-04-20 Governor Lamont Announces Plans to Further Ease COVID-related Restrictions (Archived)
- 2021-04-20 SBA Announces Official Restaurant Revitalization Fund Application and Guidelines (Archived)
- 2021-04-08 Recovery Funding for Humanities Organizations and Professionals (Archived)
- 2021-04-06 PPP Deadline Extended (Archived)
- 2021-03-24 Update-Increased Limit for EIDL Loans (Archived)
- 2021-03-23 PPP Loan Second Draw Deadline is March 31, 2021 (Archived)
- 2021-03-15 SBA Update-American Rescue Plan Elevates Support to Small Businesses (Archived)
- 2021-03-04 Business Update-Gov. Lamont Announces Plans to Ease Some COVID-19 Restrictions (Archived)
- 2021-02-16 Announcement of Potential Next Steps to Expand Capacity of Social & Recreational Events (Archived)
- 2021-02-23 New COVID Vaccination Dates and Groups, PPP Exclusivity for "Mom and Pop" Businesses (Archived)
- 2021-02-04 Update-Sector Rules & Reopening Guidance for Restaurants, Diners, & others effective February 2, 2021 (Link)
- 2021-02-02 Business Update-Restaurant and Business Curfew Changes (Archived)
- 2021-01-26 DoorDash Offers Grants to Connecticut Restaurants (Archived)
- 2021-01-19 COVID-19 Vaccination Update-Employers, Employees, Residents (Archived)
- 2021-01-14 SBA Re-Opening PPP to Small Lenders on January 15 and All Lenders on January 19 (Archived)
- 2021-01-09 Program Opening-Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Policy Update (Archived)
- 2021-01-08 CT Business Recovery Grant (Archived)
- 2020-12-29 Business Resource Update (Archived)
- 2020-12-23 Small Business PPP Loan Guidance from the SBA (Archived)
- 2020-11-23 Governor's Update on COVID Response/Sector Rules for Team Sports, Gyms & Fitness Centers (Archived)
- 2020-11-23 $3.5 Million EDA COVID-19 Relief Loans Available (Archived)
- 2020-12-21 Key provisions of COVID Relief Package (Archived)
- 2020-11-12 Update: Connecticut CARES Small Business Grant Program Application Availability (Archived)
- 2020-11-19 CARES Small Business Grant program deadline is tonight at 6PM (Archived)
- 2020-11-10 Guidance Coming This Week-Connecticut CARES Small Business Grant Program Update (Archived)
- 2020-11-05 Webinar on PPP Loan Forgiveness & CT CARES Programs Today (Archived)
- 2020-11-03 Connecticut Will Roll Back to Phase 2.1 Rules Beginning Friday, Nov. 6, 2020 (Archived)
- 2020-10-29 Webinar: Phase 3 Strategies and Suggestions for Success (Archived)
- 2020-10-20 Governor Lamont Creates Program To Assist Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 (Archived)
- 2020-10-09 SBA and Treasury Announce Simpler PPP Forgiveness for Loans of $50,000 or Less (Archived)
- 2020-09-28 CNG-SCG-UI Virtual Meeting on Shut-off Notices & COVID Extended Payment Plans for Businesses(Archived)
- 2020-09-23 Business and Reopening Updates (Archived)
- 2020-09-21 New Guidance - Facials/Personal Services Businesses(Archived)
- 2020-09-21 Advance Notice- Upcoming guidance coming for child care, restaurants and hairstylist/barbershops(Archived)
- 2020-09-17 DECD Business Survey(Archived)
- 2020-09-11 Lost Wage Assistance (Archived)
- 2020-08-19 SBA Connecticut Mid-Summer updates - August 2020 (Archived)
- 2020-09-01 COVID-19 Business Update(Archived)
- 2020-07-29 Business Reopening Updates (Archived)
- 2020-07-23 CT Employees Can Return to Work Sooner: Negative COVID-19 Test No Longer Required (Archived)
- 2020-07-21 Business Recovery Updates (Archived)
- 2020-07-16 Small Business Resource Update (Archived)
- Permits, Inspections, and UPDATED Land Use Applications Guidance - Effective 05/01/20 (Archived)
- 2020-07-06 Congress Extends Paycheck Protection Program 5 Weeks (Archived)
- 2020-07-02 United Illuminating Offer for Businesses (Archived)
- 2020-06-30 Safety Posters from CT DECD (Archived)
- 2020-06-25 SBA will cease accepting PPP applications on June 30th (Archived)
- 2020-06-18 Reopening and Recovery Update (Archived)
- 2020-06-17 SBA and Treasury Announce New EZ and Revised Full Forgiveness Applications for PPP (Archived)
- 2020-06-17 CT Phase 2 Reopening Today - View Guidelines (Archived)
- 2020-06-15 SBA and Treasury Announce New & Revised Guidance Regarding the Paycheck Protection Program (Archived)
- 2020-06-10 Main St Lending Pgm for Small to Midsize Cos & PPP Update Conf. Call on Loan Forgiveness on June 11 (Archived)
- 2020-06-05 Message from DECD: Important Changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (Archived)
- 2020-06-05 Governor Lamont Moves Reopen Connecticut Phase 2 to June 17, 2020 (Archived)
- 2020-06-01 Paycheck Protection Program Forgiveness Application and Guidelines Now Available (Archived)
- 2020-05-28 Webinar - Understanding Loan Forgiveness with the Paycheck Protection Program (Archived)
- 2020-05-27 Roadmap For Reopening Connecticut Plan (Archived)
- 2020-05-21 Look What’s Happening Around the Region (Archived)
- 2020-05-18 CT Hair Salons and Barber Shops Won’t Reopen Until Early June (Archived)
- 2020-05-18 Distribution of Infrared Thermometers (Archived)
- 2020-05-15 Reopening Inspections of Restaurants and Hair Salons (Archived)
- 2020-05-14 Business Recovery and Reopening Town Hall Virtual Meeting on May 19, 2020 (Archived)
- 2020-05-14 AdvanceCT - Surveys on Reopening Connecticut for Trumbull, CT (Archived)
- 2020-05-14 Trumbull Expands Outdoor Services for Restaurants and Retail for Trumbull, CT (Archived)
- 5/12/20 Webinar -Review of New Opening Guidelines with DECD Commissioner David Lehman (Archived)
- 2020-05-13 REOPEN CT: 5/14/20 Roundtable with Governor Lamont and Reopen CT Advisory Group (Archived)
- 2020-05-11 Connecticut Business Reopening Guidelines (Archived)
- 2020-05-09 Governor Lamont Releases Rules for Businesses Under First Phase of Connecticut’s Reopening Plans Amid COVID-19 (Link)
- 2020-05-08 Update on Reopening of Businesses on May 20, 2020 (Archived)
- 2020-05-08 Pandemic Unemployment Compensation for Self-Employed and Independent Contractors (Archived)
- 2020-05-06 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Reopens for New Applications (Archived)
- 2020-05-05 Statewide Launch of Free Online Job Training Program for Unemployment Claimants (Archived)
- 2020-05-05 Buy Local this Mother’s Day (Archived)
- 2020-05-05 Additional PPE Available for Small Businesses (Archived)
- 2020-05-04 Unemployment Assistance for the Self Employed (Archived)
- 2020-05-01 CT to Reopen Some Sectors on May 20 & Info on How Self-Employed Can Apply for Unemployment (Archived)
- 2020-04-28 Guidance Update—PPP and EIDL Funding (Archived)
- 2020-04-27 Small Businesses - Act Quickly on Coronavirus Relief Options (Archived)
- 2020-04-26 Register for Distribution of Surgical Masks to Eligible, Essential Small Businesses (Archived)
- 2020-04-28 Updated: Trumbull Tax Deferment (Archived)
- 2020-04-23 Take the State of CT Business Survey by April 24th (Archived)
- 2020-04-23 May 5, 2020 Webinars for Customers of CT Public Utility Companies (Archived)
- 2020-04-22 Trumbull Economic & Community Development Newsletter: COVID-19 Business Recovery Resources (Archived)
- 2020-04-09 Important Update from WBDC: Announcing COVID-19 Business Line of Credit (Archived)
- 2020-04-08 Mandatory "Safe Workplace Rules" go into effect immediately: Conference Call April 9 (Archived)
- 2020-04-08 BRBC Webinar: The CARES Act and other Key Topics (Archived)
- 2020-04-07 Call with Gov. Lamont and State & Federal Leaders on April 9 (Archived)
- 2020-04-07 Webinar - PPP: What Small Businesses and Non-Profits Need to Know (Archived)
- 2020-04-08 Webinar: Understanding the Federal Stimulus Program (Archived)
- 2020-04-05 Replay of Paycheck Protection Program Webinar Now Available (Archived)
- 2020-04-03 Apply for the Paycheck Protection Program Starting Today (Archived)
- 2020-04 Trumbull Economic and Community Development Update-COVID-19 Business Recovery Resources (Archived)
- 2020-03 Trumbull Economic and Community Development Update-COVID-19 Business Recovery Resources (Archived)
- 2020-03-30 Small Business Administration Update to Connecticut COVID-19 Resources (Archived)
- 2020-03-30 Update from CT Department of Community and Economic Dev. (Archived)
- 2020-03-27 Summary of COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Package (Archived)
- 2020-03-26 Emergency Relief Funds for Small Businesses & Nonprofits Available Now (Archived)
- 2020-03-26 Governor Lamont Launches Emergency No-Interest Loan Program for Connecticut Small Businesses and Nonprofits Impacted by COVID-19 (Link)
- 2020-03-23 Update to Businesses on COVID-19 (Archived)
- 2020-03-22 Governor Lamont Releases Guidance to Businesses on Order Asking Connecticut to ‘Stay Safe, Stay Home’ (Link)
- 2020-03-20 Important Business Update and Business Resources from DECD Commissioner David Lehman (Archived)
- 2020-03-19 Barbershops, Hair Salons, Nail Salons, and Beauty Salons, etc. to Close - Effective 03/20/2020 (Archived)
- 2020-03-17 CT Dept of Public Health Notice to Beauty Industries Businesses (PDF)
- 2020-03-17 Tax Filing Extensions: The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services has extended deadlines for filing and payments associated with certain state business tax returns (Link)
- Health Department Permits, Applications and Inspection Guidance - Effective 03/18/2020 (Archived)
- 2020-03-16 Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Businesses Approved to Receive Disaster Assistance Due to COVID-19 (Link)
- 2020-03-16 COVID-19 Letter to Local Businesses & Employers (Archived)
- Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 for Workers and Employers (PDF)
- Small Business Administration To Provide Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) Up to $2 Million in Disaster Assistance Loans (PDF)
- Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance Handout (PDF)
- Department of Labor FAQ (PDF)
- Food Service Establishment COVID 19 Letter (PDF)
- Coronavirus Tips for Restaurants (PDF)