***As of 3/30/2020: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress***
Additional detailed information will be communicated in the days to come on the CARES Act. The federal agencies involved are working diligently to get program rules and processes in place to small businesses as soon as possible. However, it is premature to discuss program implementation specifics of the CARES Act because that work is still being done and program details may change. Our focus at the SBDC is providing our small businesses, lenders, and other small business stakeholders with information that reflects the actual program implementation of the legislation with associated rules and requirements.
The information our center has at this time (as of 3/30/2020) is as follows:
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The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now.
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When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non-profits and other employers.
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You can view the CARES Act Guide to see information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA.
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Struggling to get started? The following questions might help point you in the right direction.
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Do you need:
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Capital to cover the cost of retaining employees?
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The Paycheck Protection Program starting on page 2 might be right for you.
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A quick infusion of a smaller amount of cash to cover you right now?
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Look into an Emergency Economic Injury Grant starting on page 7.
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To ease your fears about keeping up with payments on your current or potential SBA loan?
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The Small Business Debt Relief Program starting on page 6 could help.
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Quality, free counseling to help you navigate this uncertain economic time?
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Look into the resource partners in the Counseling and Training section on page 9.
-
-
***As of 3/30/2020: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress***
Additional detailed information will be communicated in the days to come on the CARES Act. The federal agencies involved are working diligently to get program rules and processes in place to small businesses as soon as possible. However, it is premature to discuss program implementation specifics of the CARES Act because that work is still being done and program details may change. Our focus at the SBDC is providing our small businesses, lenders, and other small business stakeholders with information that reflects the actual program implementation of the legislation with associated rules and requirements.
The information our center has at this time (as of 3/30/2020) is as follows:
-
The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now.
-
When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non-profits and other employers.
-
You can view the CARES Act Guide to see information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA.
-
Struggling to get started? The following questions might help point you in the right direction.
-
Do you need:
-
Capital to cover the cost of retaining employees?
-
The Paycheck Protection Program starting on page 2 might be right for you.
-
-
A quick infusion of a smaller amount of cash to cover you right now?
-
Look into an Emergency Economic Injury Grant starting on page 7.
-
-
To ease your fears about keeping up with payments on your current or potential SBA loan?
-
The Small Business Debt Relief Program starting on page 6 could help.
-
-
Quality, free counseling to help you navigate this uncertain economic time?
-
Look into the resource partners in the Counseling and Training section on page 9.
-
-
***As of 3/30/2020: Illinois Department of Human Services is assessing the acute needs for PPE items ***
Direct from the Illinois Department of Human Services:
In order to understand the acute needs for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) among community-based organizations across the state, please consider completing this short survey before April 1.
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The survey is designed to more precisely understand statewide PPE needs.
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Please note that completing the survey, unfortunately, is not a guarantee that you will receive the supplies, and it is not a purchasing order.
-
As you fill out the survey, please give your best estimate of need over the next 30-90 days, accounting for both your organization’s staff and customer/client populations.
***As of 3/30/2020: Illinois Department of Human Services is assessing the acute needs for PPE items ***
Direct from the Illinois Department of Human Services:
In order to understand the acute needs for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) among community-based organizations across the state, please consider completing this short survey before April 1.
-
The survey is designed to more precisely understand statewide PPE needs.
-
Please note that completing the survey, unfortunately, is not a guarantee that you will receive the supplies, and it is not a purchasing order.
-
As you fill out the survey, please give your best estimate of need over the next 30-90 days, accounting for both your organization’s staff and customer/client populations.
***As of 3/30/2020: Illinois Department of Human Services is assessing the acute needs for PPE items ***
Direct from the Illinois Department of Human Services:
In order to understand the acute needs for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) among community-based organizations across the state, please consider completing this short survey before April 1.
-
The survey is designed to more precisely understand statewide PPE needs.
-
Please note that completing the survey, unfortunately, is not a guarantee that you will receive the supplies, and it is not a purchasing order.
-
As you fill out the survey, please give your best estimate of need over the next 30-90 days, accounting for both your organization’s staff and customer/client populations.
***As of 3/27/2020: Illinois DCEO is calling for your support in donations of PPE items***
Under the leadership of Erin Guthrie, Director, the Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) recognizes the tremendous impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having, not only on businesses, but our communities and families as well.
Not surprisingly, during this challenge Illinoisans are stepping up and pulling together. Many businesses and organizations have already reached out to DCEO to offer support, donations and assistance in any way they can. Their contributions are much appreciated by us all. For example, iBio.org a Chicago-based life sciences industry association, is coordinating efforts from among their membership to donate much-needed medical supplies vital for our Illinois communities.
We are asking for your support in providing our hospitals, Illinois doctors and first responders that are in desperate need of items. For donations of personal protective equipment, please email: PPE.donations@illinois.gov.
Here’s the list of items they are looking for:
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Ventilators – LTV1200 Vyaire/ReVel Carefusion or BiPAP v60 Phillips Respironics
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Masks: N-95, ear loop, or surgical
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Gowns: Isolation or non-descript
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Gloves: Nitrile, sterile, or surgical
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Eye Protection: Face shields and goggles
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Infection Control Kits
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Hand Sanitizer: Any size
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Disinfectant Wipes: Any size
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Thermometers: Forehead only
All donated items should be in the manufacture's original packaging and unopened. When emailing items available for donation to PPE.donations@illinois.gov it is essential to list the items’ current location and exact quantity in an “each” type standard as opposed to boxes/pallet, etc. We will then be in touch about the next logistical steps. Please note that if you have smaller quantities of these items, you may redirect or donate to your nearby police, fire, and ambulance services in order to minimize your travel and other logistical steps with your donation.
For non-PPE items, tangible or financial, please email: CEO.BusinessDonations@illinois.gov.
“Make”: Manufacturers who are ramping up or altering their operations to provide more essential items should contact the Illinois Manufacturers Association (IMA) at: https://ima-net.org/covid-19/supplies/
“Sell”: Wholesalers, suppliers, or manufacturers that already have items on hand to sell or will in the future, should contact: COVID.procurement@illinois.gov.
The following items are in greatest need:
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N-95 masks
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Gloves (non-powdered)
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Gowns (impermeable)
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Isolation gowns (all sizes)
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Surgical masks
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Regular masks, ear loop
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Procedure masks with face shields
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Goggles
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Face shields
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Sanitizing wipes
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Purple-top wipes
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Hand sanitizers
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Digital thermometers
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PAPR hoods
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Ventilators – LTV1200 Vyaire/ReVel Carefusion or BiPAP v60 Phillips Respironics
Resources for Small Business Recovery
McLean County and State of Illinois
1. Recovery Guides and Resources for Businesses in McLean County
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The Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council (EDC) released the the COVID Recovery Guide for Business on April 7th
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The information in this guide is specific to McLean County, and he resources and assistance programs listed are administered through state and federal agencies and you must apply through the appropriate channels listed in each section, not the EDC.
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The McLean County Chamber of Commerce released the Reopening Your Business in the Age of COVID-19 guide on May 7th.
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Please be advised that some or all of the information contained in this document may not be applicable to some businesses or places of work and may not include all information necessary for certain businesses and places of work.
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Visit BNPrepared.org for additional McLean County resources related to COVID-19 including:
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Applications for restaurants to serve food outside for the town of Normal and city of Bloomington.
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Visit BNBiz.org for additional EDC information and resources.
2. COVID-19 Emergency Resources for Businesses in Illinois
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The Illinois Dept of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released the COVID-19 Emergency Resources for Businesses guide on April 10th.
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This guide contains information specific to small, medium, and large businesses in the state of Illinois.
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Visit the IL DCEO's COVID-19 Related Financial Assistance for Small Business website for additional state of Illinois resources related to COVID-19.
3. Restore Illinois Guidelines for Reopening Business (in Illinois)
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On May 5th, Governor Pritzker released Restore Illinois, a five-phased plan that will reopen our state, guided by health metrics and with marked by distinct business, education, and recreation activities characterizing each phase.
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The Restore Illinois plan recognizes that the economy will start growing again when consumers feel that it is safe to return to work, shop and dine out, and engage in social and recreational activities. Under the Restore Illinois framework, certain businesses and activities are allowed to resume in Phase 3 with IDPH-approved safety guidance in place.
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The State of Illinois has developed a Phase 3 Business Toolkit complete with signage, training checklists, and other resources to ensure business and activities are conducted in accordance with the latest and greatest public health recommendations.
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Phase 3 guidelines span 10 different industry categories. Each set of guidelines includes a common set of guidelines that are expected and encouraged among all employers and activity types, as well as workplace and program-specific guidelines.
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Common Guidelines for all Phase 3 Businesses and Operations to follow can be found in the Phase 3 Business Toolkit.
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The IL DCEO released a this FAQs for Businesses regarding specific impacts and guidelines by industry on May 28th.
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If you have specific questions or comments about how Phase 3 affects your business or employees, please contact DCEO for direct support:
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DCEO Business Hotline Monday through Friday at 1-800-252-2923
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DCEO email at: ceo.support@illinois.gov.
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4. CARES Act Unemployment Benefits Expansion Package FAQs
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To view frequently asked questions regarding unemployment visit the Illinois Dept of Employment Security (IDES) website.
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The FAQ section addresses questions on: insurance eligibility, filing a claim, certifying a claim to receive benefits, exhausting benefits and receiving an extension, the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) incrase of $600 to benefits, and employer considerations.
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The Illinois Dept of Employment Security (IDES) released an FAQ document on April 7th.
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An updated "part two" FAQ document was released by IDES on April 22nd
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Note: This document answers additional questions that members of the General Assembly submitted and IDES is continuing to work on the remainder of the questions.
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